The governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebolo, has refuted allegations of threatening Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 Presidential candidate.
Okpebolo has faced backlash for asserting that Obi must notify him prior to visiting the state, cautioning that his security would not be assured if he neglects to do so.
During a defection rally last Friday, the governor also ridiculed Obi for asserting that he does not 'give shishi', despite having donated N15Million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for project completion in the institution.
Okpebolo further alleged that Obi's visit to the state coincided with a resurgence of violence in the area.
Nevertheless, the governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, issued a statement on Sunday clarifying that his comments had been misinterpreted.
The statement read:
"The Edo State Government has been made aware of various misinterpretations regarding the recent comments made by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, concerning Peter Obi's visit to the state.
"It is crucial to clarify that the governor did not threaten Mr. Obi; rather, he highlighted the necessity for high-profile individuals, especially those with political exposure, to inform and seek security clearance from the governor before engaging in any public activities within the state.
"As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the governor's constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of all residents and visitors.
"This responsibility encompasses ensuring that appropriate security measures are established during significant visits or events that may draw large crowds or media scrutiny.
"When such protocols are disregarded, it poses serious security risks, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be exposed to avoidable threats.
Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai upon his visit.
Furthermore, the concerns raised by the governor should not be manipulated for political gain by those aiming to achieve trivial advantages.
The state government will not remain passive while politically motivated actions threaten lives.
We anticipate that leaders, regardless of their status, will adhere to the protocols and security conditions of the regions they visit.
Earlier on Sunday, Falana urged Okpebholo to retract the threats made against Obi's life.
In a statement, the prominent lawyer pointed out that the threat against Obi issued by the "new sheriff in town" in Edo State represents a breach of Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, as well as Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples (Ratification and Enforcement), which safeguards the fundamental right to life for every citizen.
He stated;
"However, should Governor Okpebholo fail to rescind the unlawful threat due to sheer arrogance of power, Mr. Peter Obi ought to file a petition in the Benin Judicial Division of the Federal High Court to ensure the protection of his fundamental right to life.
Mr. Obi must act with the utmost urgency considering the widespread occurrence of mob justice and other forms of extrajudicial killings in the nation.
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