Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has clarified his recent statement suggesting that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi must obtain clearance before visiting the state.
Addressing the controversy stirred by his earlier remarks during a defection rally in Uromi on Friday, Okpebholo stated that his comments were not a threat, but rather a matter of protocol and security responsibility.
A statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, emphasized the governor’s constitutional role as the Chief Security Officer of the state.
“There is a need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the governor before embarking on any public engagements within the state,” the statement read.
Okpebholo stressed that such procedures are standard for maintaining public safety, especially during visits that may attract large crowds or media attention.
“When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities — not only for the visitor, but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats,” he added.
The governor also referenced the rising cases of abduction and attacks on religious leaders, particularly Catholic priests and Christian clerics, as part of the motivation behind enforcing security protocols for public figures.
On the topic of publicized donations, Okpebholo noted that while giving is commendable, there are moral and spiritual considerations that should guide how such gestures are made, suggesting that not all acts of generosity should be politicized or publicized.
The clarification comes amid heated political discourse in the state ahead of the 2024 gubernatorial election.
