The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, on Thursday responded to recent remarks by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, concerning his unannounced visits to the state.
Speaking at Christ the King College (CKC) in Onitsha, Obi said he had no fear about visiting Edo, despite the governor’s earlier warning.
“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,” Mr Obi said.
This comes days after Mr Okphebolo said Obi’s security would not be guaranteed if he visited Edo State without his approval.
“He (Peter Obi) cannot come to Edo without telling me. A new Sheriff is in town. His security cannot be guaranteed,” Mr Okpebholo said on July 18. “We are serious about it. Whatever happens to him when he comes to Edo State, he will take it.”
Mr Okpebholo had cited insecurity as his reason, adding, “He came the other day and donated N15 million. By the time he left after donating the money, there was a crisis, and three people died in Benin.”
However, Mr Obi stressed that his visit to Benin, which he would repeat if necessary, was solely to support the development of healthcare services.
“Threats don’t make any meaning to me. I receive threats every day. Do you know how many times I have been threatened all over Nigeria? I receive threats every day, actually, the ones you know about were because it was vocal, but I will not be afraid,” Mr Obi said.
Peter Obi expressed regret that his recent gesture was politicised, emphasising that his visit to Benin was driven by a genuine desire to contribute to the welfare of the people.
“If I have the opportunity to go to Benin and make donations again, trust me, I will. I have always said that we should de-emphasise politics and think more of how to invest in the people.
“I went to Benin to invest in people because if they have good doctors and good nurses, they will have a better life. What I expect the governor to do is to complement efforts aimed at improving society,” he added.
During his visit to Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, his alma mater, Obi donated a cheque of N50 million to support infrastructure development. He explained that the donation was aimed at promoting educational growth and enhancing the learning environment.
Archbishop of Onitsha, Valerian Okeke, who received the cheque on behalf of the school, praised Obi and other alumni for their dedication to education and national progress.
Similarly, the school’s senior prefect, Ejike Ekene, thanked Obi and fellow old boys, describing the former governor as a role model and a source of inspiration to students.