Peter Obi: Okpebholo was right to demand security clearance, says Wike

Minister of the federal capital territory (FCT),  Nyesom Wike, has defended Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, for asking Peter Obi to seek security clearance before visiting the state.

Okpebholo linked a recent visit by Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, to a security breach that allegedly led to the death of three people.

Speaking at the commissioning of Edo Line in Benin City on Tuesday, Wike recalled his experience with Obi when he was governor of Rivers state.

“When Peter Obi was coming to my state, he notified me, and I provided vehicles and logistics for him,” Wike said.

The FCT minister said as a presidential candidate, any harm that comes to Obi would be blamed on the governor.

Wike said Okpebholo’s warning was not a ban on Obi’s visit but a call for cooperation to ensure security.

“If anything happens to Obi, they would accuse the governor that he was behind it. So, the statement you (Okpebh) made, you were quite right. You didn’t say, don’t come, all you’re saying is if you’re coming, tell me, because I’m here to protect you,” Wike said.

“People play to the gallery. This is not where a presidential candidate will be serving food. And you know this is a pretense. How long will you keep serving the food?”

Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar, the former vice-president, has condemned the remarks by Okpebholo, saying any “threat” to Obi is a threat to the entire opposition.