₦airaland Forum

PRESS RELEASE NO.164/EDSGH/2025

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EDO STATE GOVERNMENT

EDO STATE OPEN TO ALL NIGERIANS, BUT SECURITY PROTOCOLS MUST BE FOLLOWED

The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Mr. 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 emphasized 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.

Governor Okpebholo’s position is particularly relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics.

Edo State has witnessed its share of these tragic incidents, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy in recent years. 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.

The Governor’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility.

The Holy Scripture reminds us that giving is best done in private, as Jesus admonished us in Matthew 6 : 2 - 4 that, “when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpet…but when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
In today’s volatile security environment, this wisdom cannot be overstated. 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.

Governor Okpebholo is committed to a safe and inclusive Edo State for all. His administration is working tirelessly to address the insecurity it inherited, and his call for coordination and orderliness should be seen as a measure of responsible governance, not hostility.

The Edo State Government will continue to welcome all well-meaning Nigerians, provided appropriate security and procedural protocols are respected.

Signed:
Fred Itua,
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.
Sunday, 20 July, 2025.

fergie001:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16hbx9U99o/

Previous Thread:

atiku4President:
Medicine after death. Edo people deserve a better leader than this embarrassment the country's jaundiced judicial system has foisted on them. PO cannot be intimidated. His supporters will respond appropriately.

bluepreek:
Obi and his obidient puppets will definitely set this peaceful country ablaze one day with their bunch of lies

bluepreek:
Obi and his obidient puppets will definitely set this peaceful country ablaze one day with their bunch of lies

SmartPolician:
No party in the history of this country has ever used lies, deceits, gaslight, propaganda and mischief to mislead this country like APC

atiku4President:
Medicine after death. Edo people deserve a better leader than this embarrassment the country's jaundiced judicial system has foisted on them. PO cannot be intimidated. His supporters will respond appropriately.

“when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpet…but when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing

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

“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.”

SmartPolician:
No party in the history of this country has ever used lies, deceits, gaslight, propaganda and mischief to mislead this country like APC

helinues:
Sense no dey inside this press release . What's the business of Edo state government on how Peter Obi or anyone spend their money?

Meanwhile, Peter Obi's past is hunting him back

zero8zero:
Lol, he doubled down on it.. We always tell these mob that your bullying and harassment only end on social media, it doesn't work. It is offline that will show you people who is who. Edo no be Agulu 😂😂. God bless Governor Monday Okpebholo.

NgeneUkwenu:
You don't need to explain yourself Mr. Governor. Peter Obi is a nuisance to people everywhere he goes.

The same Peter Obi in 2013, arrested Elrufai before, he didn't seek clearance from before visiting Anambra State...

Obi and his supporters are hypocrites, so totally ignore them, let them wail their eyes out.

zero8zero:
Lol, he doubled down on it.. We always tell these mob that your bullying and harassment only end on social media, it doesn't work. It is offline that will show you people who is who. Edo no be Agulu 😂😂. God bless Governor Monday Okpebholo.