“A Threat to Obi Is a Threat to All of Us” — Atiku Blasts Edo Governor Over Warning to Labour Party Leader
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned threats directed at opposition leaders, stressing that any such threat, including those against Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, affects all opposition figures.
In a post shared on his X handle on Tuesday, Atiku stated, “Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against all of us!”
Atiku’s reaction came after comments by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who, during a rally in Benin City last Friday, warned that Obi must obtain proper security clearance before visiting the state.
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Okpebholo had said, “If Peter Obi wants to come here, he should seek proper security clearance. We cannot guarantee his safety otherwise. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”
The governor further claimed that Obi’s previous visit, during which he donated N15 million to a nursing school, led to unrest that resulted in the loss of lives in the state.
Facing backlash from many Nigerians and prominent individuals, Okpebholo insisted that his comments were misinterpreted. He clarified that his call was a matter of security protocol and not an act of hostility towards Obi.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, stated that Okpebholo’s remarks had been widely misunderstood.
He said, “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.”
According to the statement, as the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the governor’s constitutional duty to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. This responsibility includes putting in place adequate security measures during visits or events likely to 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 added that the governor’s concerns were especially relevant given the increasing incidents of attacks and kidnappings targeting religious leaders, particularly Catholic priests and Christian clerics. He cited past tragedies in Edo State, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy members.
He also warned that while public donations to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions are commendable, they must be handled cautiously and in coordination with security agencies to avoid putting institutions or their leaders at risk.
“The governor’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility,” he stated.
Itua further added, “Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.”
He stressed that the governor’s remarks should not be twisted for political advantage, saying, “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.”
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