Dare Babalola
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike have disagreed over a recent utterance by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, directed at Peter Obi.
Okpebholo had earlier announced that Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) must obtain security clearance before entering the state.
Okpebholo had linked Obi’s recent visit to a security breach that allegedly resulted in the deaths of three people.
His statement generated diverse reactions from different corners.
Reacting in a social media post on Tuesday, Atiku said the threat against the former Anambra governor is a threat against all.
He condemned Okpebholo for claiming the safety of Obi is not guaranteed should he visit Edo State without his permission.
“Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against all of us!” Atiku said in his post.
Meanwhile, 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.
“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.
