Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has stuck to his statement that a former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party chieftain, Peter Obi, must notify him before visiting Edo State.

He stated that his job was not only to work for Edo people but to also ensure their safety, clarifying that his statement to Mr Obi was a piece of advice as the chief security officer of the state.

Mr Okphebolo spoke while speaking to his supporters on Tuesday.

Referring to his statement that Mr Obi’s safety was not guaranteed if he visited Edo State without his permission, Mr Okpebholo said, “I simply said, it is advice, don’t come to Edo without telling me. Was I chewing hot yam? Do I need one plus three to make my sentence? Do I need to read an encyclopaedia for people to understand what I’m saying?

“My job is not only to work for Edo people. My job is to save the life of every Edo citizen and visitors coming into the state. If telling him to notify me as the chief security officer of this state is a crime, so be it. I have no regrets about it. I repeat it, before you come to Edo State, notify me. It is not a threat.”


Dismissing criticisms that trailed his statement, Mr Okpebholo said, “I’m not going to talk much. Even when they say I don’t talk, just one sentence, everybody is crying.”

Mr Okpebholo’s statement sparked reactions from Mr Obi’s supporters.