‘My duty is to protect Edo people’ — Okpebholo insists Obi must notify him before visiting

Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, has reiterated his demand that Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), notify him before visiting the state.

Okpebholo insisted that his comment is a security measure, not a threat to the former governor of Anambra.

Last week, the Edo governor warned Obi not to come to the state again without security clearance.

He linked a recent visit by Obi to a security breach that allegedly led to the death of three people.

Meanwhile, Okpebholo’s comment has drawn widespread criticism, with many accusing him of attempting to intimidate political opponents.

However, speaking at the unveiling of Edo Line buses in Benin City, the state capital, on Tuesday, Okpebholo said it is his responsibility to protect both residents and visitors.

The governor recalled that during his campaign, he disregarded police advice to stay at the airport, which resulted in the death of his escort.

“If telling him (Peter Obi) to notify me of his coming as the chief security officer of the state is a crime, so be it. I have no regrets about what I have said, and I repeat it: before you come into Edo State, notify me. It is not a threat,” he said.

“I had a security report and advised the former governor of Anambra state to inform me whenever he is coming to Edo State. If he likes, let him take my advice.

“I went through this same process. I was advised when I came to the airport before the election by the then commissioner of police to remain at the airport. I ignored the advice and went out. My police escort was shot dead before my eyes.”

The governor also took a swipe at the critics of his directive, saying, “just one word, and everybody was crying. I simply said, ‘Don’t come to Edo without telling me”.

“I don’t know which one is paining them. Is it because I said they don’t have shishi? Didn’t they say they don’t have shishi, so why are they crying?” he asked.