The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State was justified in requesting prior notice from former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, before visiting the state.
Wike, speaking in Benin City during the launch of modern mass transit buses by the Edo State government, recalled that during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State, he provided Obi with vehicles and logistics whenever he visited the state for his presidential campaign.
He explained that governors bear responsibility for the safety of high-profile figures like Obi during visits to their states, which makes prior notification essential.
Wike dismissed suggestions that Governor Okpebholo threatened Obi, describing the request as a standard security and protocol measure.
He said: “When I was governor of Rivers State, when Peter Obi was coming to my state, he notified me, and I provided vehicles and logistics for him, because at that level, as a presidential candidate, anything that happens to him will be my fault.
Governor Okpebholo, the statement you made is correct. Obi must inform you before coming to Edo State.”
