Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebolo, has said that he does not have any regrets over his comment on the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter, who he said must seek security clearance from him before visiting Edo State.
Recall that governor Monday Okpebolo on Friday at Uromi, Esan North- East Local Government Area of Edo State said the Labour Party, 2023 Presidential candidate should take whatever that happens to him if he fails to take security clearance from him next time he visits Edo State.
“The man we say he no get shi shi I am sending a direct message to him. He cannot come to Edo without telling me. A new Sheriff is in town.
“His security cannot be guaranteed. We are serious about it. Whatever that happens to him when he comes to Edo State, he will take it. He came the other day and donated N15m. By the time he left after donating the money, there was crisis and three people died in Benin. Tell Obi he should not come to Edo without telling me.”
Obi, had on the 7th of July visited the St Philomena Hospital in Benin City, where he donated a sum of N15 Million naira.
The governor, speaking in Benin City, during the commissioning of 100 new buses for New Edo Line Transport Company , said he has no regrets whatsoever in regards to his comment on Obi.
He said: “I want to thank Edo people for voting for me , I know that their votes is a sign of progress . We know that Edo people have been in the dark for a very long time.
The dream of Edo line would not have been realistic, if I do not have a father like President Bola Tinubu, a man who cares so much for Edo people , he also made our son from the south south, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory against all odds.
“Even , when they said I don’t talk, just one sentence everybody was crying. I strictly said, it is an advice, don’t come to Edo without telling me. Was I chewing hot yam? Do I need to add one to three to make people understand me? Do I need to read encyclopedia for people to understand me? My work is not only to work for Edo people, but also to save Edo people’s lives and visitors coming to Edo. If telling him to notify me before coming to Edo is a crime, so be it. I have no regrets about it. Before you come into Edo State , notify me.
“I went through this same process. I was advised when I came to the airport by then Commissioner of Police to remain at the airport. I ignored the advice and went out. My police escort was shot dead before my eyes. I have advised the former Governor of Anambra State, if he likes let him take it, if he likes let him dwell on social media it does not concern me.”
On his part, FCT Minister, Nyson Wike who was the guest of honour at the commissioning said high-profile Nigerians like Peter Obi need to inform the Governor of any State about his visit to ensure his security guaranteed.
He noted that when Obi visited him while he was the Governor of Rivers States, he informed him before embarking on the journey.
“I thank God for the people of Edo State for standing firm during the election of Monday Okpebholo. The Governor has prepared himself as far as I am concerned. He is focused on making sure he delivers the dividends of democracy to the people.
“The Governor refused to be distracted, and in eight months, he has done so much for Edo people. Just like what Mr. President did immediately, he was inaugurated. He hit the ground running. That is what Senator Okpebholo has done today by making sure there are no excuses.
“Assuming that the Supreme Court had ruled against him, what it would have meant is that for a few months, he showed the people of Edo that he was committed to work for them. ” He concluded.
“I do not identify with failure. I identify with people who mean well for their people. One of the things that you have done for bringing back this new Edo line is to solve the problem of insecurity.
“You have also resolved the problem of students, women and men traveling. You have actually shown your support for our President in practical terms in performance. Your performance will give you the confidence to always come home even after your tenure as Governor.
“I have come to identify with you because you mean well for the people of Edo State. Leadership is not easy because people will throw all kinds of things at you.”
Dignitaries at the commissioning include the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to Edo State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor; Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gani Audu; former Deputy Governors of Edo State, Pius Odubu and Lucky Imasuen; Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd); Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; APC stakeholders; representatives of security agencies, market women, youths, transportation stakeholders, amongst others.
