The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, on Thursday, addressed the recent comments made by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, regarding his visits to the state without prior notice.

Speaking at Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, Mr Obi stated that he was not afraid to visit Edo, despite a prior warning from Mr Okpebholo.

“I am not afraid of visiting any state in Nigeria, particularly when the purpose is to support causes that contribute to nation building, such as education, health, and poverty alleviation,” Mr Obi said.

This comes days after Mr Okphebolo said Mr Obi’s security would not be guaranteed if he visited Edo State without his approval.

“He (Peter Obi) cannot come to Edo without telling me. A new Sheriff is in town. His security cannot be guaranteed,” Mr Okpebholo said on July 18. “We are serious about it. Whatever happens to him when he comes to Edo State, he will take it.”

Mr Okpebholo had cited insecurity as his reason, adding, “He came the other day and donated N15 million. By the time he left after donating the money, there was a crisis, and three people died in Benin.”

However, Mr Obi stressed that his visit to Benin, which he would repeat if necessary, was solely to support the development of healthcare services.

“Threats don’t make any meaning to me. I receive threats every day. Do you know how many times I have been threatened all over Nigeria? I receive threats every day, actually, the ones you know about were because it was vocal, but I will not be afraid,” Mr Obi said.

He expressed disappointment that such an act was politicised, adding that he went to Benin for the good  of  the people.

“If I have the opportunity to go to Benin and make donations again, trust me, I will. I have always said that we should de-emphasise politics and think more of how to invest in the people.

“I went to Benin to invest in people because if they have good doctors and good nurses, they will have a better life. What I expect the governor to do is to complement efforts aimed at improving society,” he added.

Meanwhile, the politician presented a cheque of N50 million to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, for infrastructure development.

Mr Obi said the gesture was to support education development and improve learning conditions in the school.

The archbishop of Onitsha, Valerian Okeke, who received the donation on behalf of the school, commended Mr Obi and the other old boys for their commitment to education and nation-building.

Also, the senior prefect of the school, Ejike Ekene, expressed gratitude to Mr Obi and other old students, describing the former governor as a role model and an inspiration to students.

(NAN)