The Traffic

“No Threat to Obi – Just Protocol”: Edo Governor Sets the Record Straight
The Edo State Government has dismissed claims that Governor Monday Okpebholo threatened former presidential candidate Peter Obi, insisting the Governor merely restated a basic expectation — respect for state security protocols.

In a firm but clarifying statement issued Sunday in Benin City, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the Governor’s comments were being twisted for political drama. “Let’s be clear,” he said, “there was no threat, no hostility. The Governor simply reminded all politically exposed persons: Edo is not a no-protocol zone.”

Governor Okpebholo, the state reiterated, has a constitutional duty to safeguard everyone within Edo, especially during high-profile visits that could attract crowds or tension. The message was simple: Inform the government. Coordinate with security. Don’t show up unannounced.

The Governor’s concern, Itua noted, isn’t rooted in politics but in rising insecurity across the state, especially the disturbing spate of abductions targeting religious leaders and institutions. “We’ve lost priests. We’ve seen seminarians abducted. Churches are vulnerable. This isn’t the time for political grandstanding.”

In a notable shift from political rhetoric, the statement even drew on scripture:

“When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets… Do it in secret,” referencing Matthew 6:2–4 to underline the security wisdom in quiet philanthropy.

The government also pointedly addressed comparisons to past political events:

“Let’s not forget — Governor Okpebholo isn’t Peter Obi, who once detained Nasir El-Rufai as a visiting governor. Yet, he’s the one now being accused of hostility for asking for simple security cooperation.”

Itua warned against what he called “cheap political spin,” saying certain actors were deliberately mischaracterizing the Governor’s words to score public sympathy.

“Edo State is open to all well-meaning Nigerians,” the statement added, “but openness does not mean disorder. We welcome visitors — but not surprises.”

The government emphasized that Governor Okpebholo’s call for order isn’t a show of power — it’s a show of responsibility.

Haruna Yakubu Haruna