In a bold and unwavering response to recent remarks by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has made it clear that he will not be deterred by threats or political intimidation. The controversy began when Governor Okpebholo warned that Obi’s safety could not be guaranteed if he visited Edo State without prior clearance, citing unrest following Obi’s previous visit and donation to a local nursing
🎙️ Obi’s Defiant Stand
Speaking during a visit to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC) in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi dismissed the governor’s warning as baseless and politically motivated. “Threats don’t make any meaning to me. I receive threats every day,” Obi said. “If I have the opportunity to go to Benin and make donations again, trust me, I will”.
Obi emphasized that his visits are driven by a desire to invest in people and uplift communities through education and healthcare. He criticized Governor Okpebholo for politicizing acts of charity, stating, “What the governor should have done is to complement what I was doing in his state instead of threatening me. He should be sincerely grateful”.
🏫 A Legacy of Giving
During his CKC visit, Obi donated ₦50 million to support the school’s infrastructure, a gesture applauded by Archbishop Valerian Okeke and the school’s management. Obi explained that the donation was a collaborative effort with fellow alumni, aimed at building staff quarters and administrative blocks to improve learning conditions.
🗣️ Political Fallout and Public Reaction
Governor Okpebholo’s comments have sparked widespread criticism. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the remarks, calling any threat to Obi “a threat to all of us”. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe also weighed in, warning that such statements undermine Nigeria’s constitutional rights and democratic values.
Despite the backlash, Okpebholo remained defiant, insisting that his statement was a matter of security protocol and not a threat. He mocked critics, saying, “Just one word, and everybody was crying”.
Peter Obi’s response underscores his commitment to national development and his refusal to be silenced by political theatrics. As tensions simmer, his stance has ignited a broader conversation about leadership, civic responsibility, and the role of opposition voices in Nigeria’s democracy.
