The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared support for the statement by Governor Monday Okpebholo that former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, must get security clearance from him before visiting Edo State.
According to Wike, Okpebholo is right to have demanded notification before Obi can visit Edo, as the Governor will be held responsible if anything happens to the former Labour Party presidential candidate while visiting the state.
The Minister also recalled that when he was the Governor of Rivers State, he provided Peter Obi with vehicles and logistics during his presidential campaign in the state.
Naija News reports that Wike made the submission on Tuesday in Benin City, during the launch of modern mass transit buses by the Edo State government, amidst the controversies generated by Okpebholo, who had stated that Obi must not visit Edo State without a security clearance from him.
Wike also stated that the Governor’s statement is not a threat against Obi.
He said: “When I was governor of Rivers State, when Peter Obi was coming to my state, he notified me, and I provided vehicles and logistics for him, because at that level, as a presidential candidate, anything that happens to him will be my fault.
“Governor Okpebholo, the statement you made is correct. Obi must inform you before coming to Edo State.”
Wike also maintained that the Governor’s statement was not a ban against Obi, but simply conveyed the need for him to be informed before it could take place and therefore declared his full support for Okpebholo’s position.
The Minister added that it is within the responsibility of the Governor to maintain movements within the state as the Chief Security Officer of the state.
“So the statement you made, you are quite right. You didn’t say, ‘Don’t come.’ All you said was, ‘If you are coming, tell me. Because I’m here to protect you.
“You have never told Nigerians, ‘Don’t come to Edo,’ and you wouldn’t do that. But these so-called profile people, who say they are big men—in this political period we are in, we have to be careful.
“Someone might cause harm, and they’ll blame the governor, saying he knew a coalition member was coming. If the man said he won’t listen to you, it’s okay. You’ve done your work. People play to the gallery.
“Stand firm in any decision you have taken. If they don’t talk about you, then you are not a governor. Every day I wake up and nothing is said about me, I say something is wrong somewhere,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister also urged Obi to stop playing politics, submitting that with the coalition movement, anything could happen during his visit, and Governor Okpebholo would be blamed.
“And people should stop politicking when the truth is being told. Obi, knowing fully well that with their so-called coalition, anything can happen, will accuse the governor that he was behind it,” Wike said.
The post Why Peter Obi Must Inform Governor Okpebholo Before Coming To Edo State – Wike appeared first on Naija News.
Why Peter Obi Must Inform Governor Okpebholo Before Coming To Edo State – Wike
