As criticisms escalate over his comment on Friday at a political rally warning Labour Party former presidential candidate Peter Obi, not to enter Edo State without his permission, Governor Monday Okpebholo says his statement was not meant to be a threat

Apart from Obidients who have been bashing the Governor on social media and other platforms, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has urges Obi to take legal action against the Governor while opposition African Democratic Congress said Okpebholo has not right to make such a statement.

The governor had warned Obi not to enter Edo State without obtaining permission from him .

Critics have feasted on the governor’s statement and described it as a direct threat to Obi’s life and a dangerous precedent for democracy.

In a statement however, Edo State insisted that the governor’s comments were misinterpreted, stressing that his call was a security protocol and not hostility toward the opposition leader.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, said that Okpebholo’s statement was given various misinterpretations.

“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Peter Obi to the state.

“It is imperative to state clearly that the governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr Obi, but rather emphasised the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the governor before embarking on any public engagements within the state.

“As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors alike.

“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.

“When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats,” the statement read.

Itua said the governor’s position was relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics.

He noted that the state had witnessed its share of tragic incidents, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy in recent years.

He noted that public donations made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions, while noble in intent, must be approached with caution and in full consultation with the appropriate security channels to avoid exposing these institutions and their leaders to further danger.

He added, “The governor’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility…

“Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.

“Furthermore, the governor’s concerns should not be twisted for political mileage by individuals seeking to score cheap points.

“The state government will not fold its arms and allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives.

“We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.”