Former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has dismissed a recent threat by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, saying he is unfazed as such threats have become a routine part of his life.
Obi, who spoke to journalists on Thursday in Awka during a visit to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, where he donated N50 million, was responding to comments credited to Governor Okpebholo, who allegedly said Obi’s safety could not be guaranteed if he visited Edo State again.
The former governor described the threat as unnecessary, stressing that his commitment to investing in education and the welfare of citizens would not be deterred by political intimidation.
“Threats don’t mean anything to me. I receive them every day, all over Nigeria. The ones you hear about are those made publicly, but there are many you don’t know. If I have the opportunity to go to Benin again to make a donation, I will. I’ve always maintained that we should move beyond politics and focus on investing in people,” Obi said.
He added that rather than issuing threats, Governor Okpebholo should have appreciated the philanthropic gesture, which was meant to uplift the healthcare system in Edo State.
“I went to Benin to support education and healthcare because when people have access to good doctors and nurses, their lives improve. The governor should have complemented my efforts instead of making threats. He should actually be grateful,” Obi stated.
Obi explained that the N50 million donation to CKC was a joint contribution from him and some fellow alumni to improve infrastructure at the school, particularly staff quarters and administrative buildings.
He emphasized the importance of giving back to society through transparent and legitimate means, noting, “I always encourage those with honest and verifiable sources of income to invest in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. I’m not saying people should steal to donate.”
Meanwhile, in a related development, former Senate President Dr. Adolphus Wabara has condemned Governor Okpebholo’s threat, describing it as unconstitutional, reckless, and a reflection of “executive rascality.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, Wabara said the governor’s remarks violate Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to move freely and reside anywhere in the country.
He described the statement as “provocative and a dangerous overreach of executive power,” warning that such rhetoric could incite ethnic tension between Edo indigenes and the Igbo community.
Wabara further cautioned political leaders against overheating the polity through “unguided utterances” and urged them to prioritize national unity above partisan politics.
“No governor has the authority to restrict the lawful movement of any Nigerian citizen. What we see here is political intolerance, executive impunity, and a clear abuse of office. We must not allow political desperation to tear the country apart,” Wabara said.
