Atiku made the statement via his official X handle on Tuesday, amid growing controversy surrounding Obi’s recent visit to Edo State, which Governor Monday Okpebholo insists should have been preceded by formal security clearance.
The Edo State Governor sparked public debate after he linked Obi’s unannounced visit on 7 June to a spike in violence, including the killing of three persons. Obi had visited St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences in Benin City, where he donated ₦15 million towards ongoing projects.
Speaking at a rally on 18 July, Governor Okpebholo questioned the donation and alleged it coincided with insecurity in the state. He declared that Obi must not visit Edo State without notifying his government.
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” Okpebholo said.
The comment drew swift criticism, with human rights lawyer Femi Falana and opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress defending Obi’s constitutional right to free movement.
However, speaking again on Tuesday during the commissioning of the New Edo Line Transport Company, the governor stood by his statement, insisting it was based on intelligence reports and his responsibility as the chief security officer of the state.
“My job is to protect the
lives of Edo citizens and visitors. If asking him (Obi) to notify me is seen as a crime, then so be it. I have no regrets,” Okpebholo said.He recounted a personal tragedy where his police escort was killed during a political campaign, which he said informed his heightened sense of caution.
“I was advised by the police to remain at the airport. I ignored it. My escort was shot dead before my eyes. That’s why I’m advising Obi — if he likes, let him take it.”
Backing the governor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who attended the transport project’s inauguration, also criticised Obi for failing to follow protocol.
“When Obi visited Rivers State during my tenure as governor, he sought security clearance. Why ignore that in Edo? Protocol exists to protect lives,” Wike said.
The minister praised Okpebholo’s early performance in office, commending his efforts in reviving the defunct Edo Line Transport Company and promoting infrastructural development.
“In just eight months, the governor has achieved what others couldn’t in years. He’s focused and refuses to be distracted,” Wike said.
He added that Okpebholo’s actions reflect the performance-driven governance style of President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku: “A threat to Obi is a threat to all of us!”
Tensions rise as Governor Okpebholo insists Peter Obi must obtain security clearance before entering Edo State. Wike backs him, saying even Obi once followed protocol in Rivers.
📰 Read more on the unfolding row and why opposition figures are raising alarm over democracy and security. #NigeriaNews #PeterObi #Atiku #EdoPolitics #Wike #OppositionRights
