Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the general elections of 2023, responded on Thursday to remarks made by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo about his unannounced visits to the state. Speaking at Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, Mr. Obi said that even though Mr. Okpebholo had warned him not to go to Edo, he was not scared to do so.
“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 stated.
Mr. Okphebolo stated a few days prior that if Mr. Obi went to Edo State without his consent, his safety would not be ensured.
“He (Peter Obi) cannot come to Edo without telling me. A new Sheriff is in town, Mr. Okpebholo stated on July 18. “We are serious about it. Whatever happens to him when he comes to Edo State, he will take it.”
Insecurity was the reason given by Mr. Okpebholo, who also stated, “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.”
But Mr. Obi emphasized that the only reason he was in Benin was to help develop healthcare services, and he would return if needed.
“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 stated. He added that he traveled to Benin for the benefit of the populace and expressed disappointment that such an act had become politicized.
He added, “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,”
In the meantime, the politician gave his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, a N50 million check for infrastructure development.
According to Mr. Obi, the gesture was made to enhance school learning environments and promote educational advancement.
