The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for requesting that Peter Obi seek security clearance before visiting the state.
Okpebholo had linked Obi’s recent visit to a security breach that allegedly resulted in the deaths of three people.
While commissioning the Edo Line in Benin City on Tuesday, Wike recalled his own experience when Obi visited Rivers State.
“When Peter Obi was coming to my state, he notified me, and I provided vehicles and logistics for him,” Wike shared.
The FCT Minister pointed out that as a presidential candidate, any harm to Obi would likely be blamed on the state governor.
He explained that Okpebholo’s request was not a ban on Obi’s visit but rather a call for cooperation to ensure security.
“If anything happens to Obi, they would accuse the governor that he was behind it. So, the statement you (Okpebholo) made, you were quite right. You didn’t say, don’t come, all you’re saying is if you’re coming, tell me, because I’m here to protect you,” Wike added.
Wike also expressed frustration with political theatrics, saying, “People play to the gallery. This is not where a presidential candidate will be serving food. And you know this is a pretense. How long will you keep serving the food?”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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