Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a strong warning to the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, cautioning him against entering the state without prior notification and approval.
This marks the second time Obi has been cautioned by an All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state regarding his visits, including those reportedly for humanitarian purposes.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, Governor Okpebholo addressed a gathering of political supporters, making it clear that Obi's security would not be guaranteed should he enter Edo State without officially informing the state government.
"This message is for the man who claims he has no 'shishi'," Governor Okpebholo said, using the local slang for money. "There's a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I'm not joking."
The governor also referenced a previous visit by Obi, during which he allegedly donated N15 million. Okpebholo questioned the source of these funds, pointing out what he sees as a contradiction between Obi's public statements about having limited resources and his financial contributions.
"He came the other day and gave out N15 million. A man who claims to have no money, where did he get that from?" Okpebholo asked. "After he left, there was unrest in Benin, and three people lost their lives. That's why I'm saying this: tell Obi not to step into Edo without informing me first."
This development follows a similar episode in April when Obi was reportedly warned against visiting Benue State. At that time, his intended visit was to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp hosting victims of herdsmen-related violence.
The governor's warning has sparked discussions about political tensions and the freedom of movement for opposition figures in Nigeria, particularly as the country moves closer to the next election cycle.
Political analysts note that such restrictions on opposition figures' movements could potentially heighten political tensions in the state, which has already experienced significant political rivalry in recent years.
As of the time of this report, Peter Obi has not publicly responded to Governor Okpebholo's warning.
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