In a political showdown that has sparked nationwide debate, Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, has responded to threats issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, who had earlier warned Obi against entering the state without security clearance. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, expressed his defiance, stating that he is “not afraid of visiting any state in Nigeria.”
Governor Okpebholo’s Warning
At a political rally in Edo State on Friday, Governor Okpebholo, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), issued a stern warning to Obi, cautioning him to obtain prior notification or security clearance before entering the state. The governor’s statement followed Obi’s recent visit to the St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences in Benin City, where he donated N15 million to support the completion of ongoing projects. Okpebholo alleged that Obi’s visit had triggered violence, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.
The governor’s comments stirred controversy across the country, drawing condemnation from civil society groups, legal experts, and political figures, all of whom called on Okpebholo to retract his statement and issue an apology. However, during a subsequent appearance on Tuesday, the governor refused to apologise, defending his remarks as a mere piece of “advice” and insisting that they should not be construed as a threat.
Peter Obi’s Response
In his first public comment on the matter, Obi responded on Thursday during a charitable event in Anambra State, where he presented a N50 million cheque to his alma mater, Christ the King College, Onitsha. Obi dismissed the governor’s actions, emphasising that threats and intimidation have no place in a society that seeks progress.
“I am not afraid of visiting any state in Nigeria, particularly when the purpose is to support causes that contribute to nation-building, such as education, health, and poverty alleviation,” Obi declared.
Obi expressed disappointment at Governor Okpebholo for politicising his charitable visit, rather than supporting initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of Edo State residents. “I went to Benin to invest in a better life for the people. What I expect the governor to do is to complement efforts aimed at improving society,” Obi added.
Obi’s N50 Million Donation: A Gesture of Gratitude
The N50 million donation to Christ the King College was a token of appreciation from Obi to the institution that helped shape his moral and academic foundation. “This school helped form the values I and many others still hold dear today: discipline, moral grounding, and academic excellence. Supporting it is a way of giving back,” Obi remarked.
His public gesture of philanthropy stood in stark contrast to the political tensions surrounding his visit to Edo State, with many calling on both political leaders and the public to prioritise the betterment of Nigeria over political divisions.
What’s Next for Peter Obi?
Obi’s determination to continue his philanthropic efforts, regardless of political threats, sends a strong message about his commitment to social development and the wellbeing of Nigerians. While the tensions between him and Governor Okpebholo continue to simmer, Obi remains resolute in his belief that progress cannot be achieved through fear or intimidation.
