Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned remarks directed at Peter Obi, declaring that any threat against the former Labour Party presidential candidate is a threat to the entire opposition.
Atiku’s statement came in response to a warning by Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo State, who insisted that Obi must not visit the state again without prior security clearance. Okpebholo linked Obi’s recent visit to a security breach that allegedly resulted in the deaths of three people.
The governor’s comments, made during a public event last Friday, sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing him of attempting to intimidate political opponents.
However, Fred Itua, chief press secretary to the governor, clarified that Okpebholo was not issuing a threat but stressing the importance of security coordination for politically exposed persons visiting the state.
“It is imperative to state clearly that the governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr. Obi,” the statement read. “Rather, he 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.”
Itua added that as the chief security officer of Edo State, the governor has a duty to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
In response, Atiku expressed solidarity with Obi, saying, “Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against ALL of us!”
Senators elected on the platform of the Labour Party also condemned Okpebholo’s remarks.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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