By Philomina Brando
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has denied issuing a threat to Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Okpebholo explained that he only emphasized the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from him before embarking on any public engagements within the state.
The governor stated that it’s his constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors. He added, “this duty includes ensuring that adequate security measures are put in place during high-profile visits or events that may attract large crowds or media attention.”
Okpebholo attributed his stance to the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and clerics.
He noted, “public donations made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions, while noble in intent, must be approached with caution. It must be in full consultation with the appropriate security channels, to avoid exposing these institutions and their leaders to further danger.”
The governor also referenced the holy scripture, saying, “The holy scripture reminds us that giving is best done in private, as Jesus admonished us in Matthew 6: 2 – 4. When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”