By Muhammad Mamman
In a bold response to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent directive, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared he will not be deterred from visiting any part of Nigeria, including Edo State. The former Anambra governor dismissed Okpebholo’s remarks as unhelpful to national progress, emphasising his commitment to initiatives that foster education, healthcare, and poverty reduction.
Governor’s Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage
At a political rally in Edo State last Friday, Okpebholo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), cautioned Obi against entering the state without prior notification or security clearance. The governor controversially linked Obi’s recent visit to St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences—where he donated ₦15 million for project completion—to alleged violence that resulted in three deaths. The claims drew sharp criticism from civil society groups, legal experts, and political leaders, who demanded an apology and retraction from Okpebholo.
Far from retracting, Okpebholo doubled down on his stance at another event on Tuesday, describing his warning as “advice” rather than a threat. He maintained he had no regrets over his comments.
Obi’s Defiant Stand
Speaking on Thursday during a visit to his alma mater, Christ the King College in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi condemned Okpebholo’s approach, stating, “Nigeria cannot progress by threatening one another.” He presented a ₦50 million cheque to the school, in collaboration with its alumni association, to support infrastructural development. A video obtained by PREMIUM TIMES captured Obi’s remarks at the event.
Obi stressed that his nationwide engagements aim to uplift communities through meaningful contributions. “I am not afraid to visit any state in Nigeria, especially when the purpose is to advance nation-building through education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation,” he said. He expressed disappointment that Okpebholo politicised his visit to Edo, rather than supporting efforts to improve local conditions. “I went to Benin to invest in better lives for the people. Good doctors and nurses mean better lives. I expect the governor to complement such efforts,” Obi added.
Gratitude Through Giving
Reflecting on his donation to Christ the King College, Obi described it as an act of gratitude for the institution’s role in shaping his values. “This school instilled discipline, moral grounding, and academic excellence in me and many others. Supporting it is my way of giving back,” he said.
The ongoing dispute underscores broader tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape, with Obi’s defiance highlighting his resolve to champion national development despite opposition.
