By Mick Oseji, Asaba
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared his support for the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpehbolo, asking the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to notify him in advance and obtain clearance first before stepping into Edo State.
Wike said in a charged atmosphere such as the nation is witnessing, enemies could latch on it to harm somebody and blame it on Governor Okpebholo because a member of a coalition movement was visiting.
The Daily Crucible reports that Okpebholo had while addressing supporters at a recent rally where some politicians from opposition parties defected to to the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state, asked Obi to obtain security clearance before visiting Edo state.
Okpebholo alleged that the last time Obi visited the state and made a donation of N15 million to a nursing school in the state, crisis erupted in part of the state which claimed no fewer than four lives.
However, speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration of the New Edo Line Transport Service in Benin City, the Edo State capital, Wike urged politicians to desist from politicising security and governance issues.
“If Peter Obi wants to come here, he should seek proper security clearance. We cannot guarantee his safety otherwise, if anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking,” he had said.
The former Governor of Rivers State said, “All I am saying is, if you are coming, tell me because I am here to protect you.
“You didn’t say, ‘Don’t come.’ But people play politics. They give people money to go on television and twist facts.”
Wike noted that in a politically charged atmosphere, mischief makers could seized nebulous situations to cause harm and blame innocent governor.
“Some people can harm anybody and then accuse the governor of being responsible because he knows a coalition member is coming. So governor, you are right,” he said.
Wike also took aim at what he described as “political theatrics” by the former Anambra governor, criticising the trend of publicity stunts to sway public opinion.
“This is not where a presidential candidate will be carrying food to serve. And Nigerians will say, ‘Oh, humble.’ Who told you that is humility? When he was governor, was he serving food? No!” he queried.
Wike further dismissed populist campaign promises by Obi, such as pledges to fly on commercial planes if elected president, describing them as deceitful.
“You think he’s telling you the truth? Nigerians, you like people who play you. You don’t like those who tell you the simple truth,” he added.
He urged Okpehbolo to remain resolute, saying criticism is inevitable for leaders who take bold decisions.
“If they don’t talk about you, then you are not a governor. Every day I wake up, and nothing is said about me, I say something is wrong. So, don’t put yourself down. Stand firm in any decision you have taken,” he advised.
The minister stated that the ultimate measure of leadership is grassroots backing.
“What is important is, do you have the support of your people? Yes. Once you have that, go ahead,” Wike said.
