Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has thrown his support behind Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, following the latter’s recent comments regarding Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of the New Edo Line Transport Service in Benin City, Wike urged politicians to avoid politicising matters of governance and security.
He aligned himself with Governor Okpebholo’s call for visiting political figures to obtain security clearance before entering the state.
Governor Okpebholo, at a rally in Benin last Friday, had cautioned that Peter Obi must secure official clearance prior to visiting Edo, citing security concerns. He alleged that Obi’s previous visit, during which ₦15 million was donated to a nursing school, was followed by unrest that claimed at least four lives.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
Backing the governor’s stance, Wike defended the need for prior notification, arguing it was essential for public safety.
“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 stated.
He warned that in highly politicised environments, bad actors could exploit such situations to create chaos and unfairly blame state leaders.
“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 added.
Wike also took aim at what he described as theatrical political behaviour, accusing some aspirants of using populist gestures to manipulate public sentiment.
“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 said.
He further dismissed promises made during political campaigns—such as commitments to fly commercial airlines while in office—as disingenuous.
“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,” Wike remarked.
Encouraging Governor Okpebholo to remain resolute in the face of criticism, the FCT Minister said leadership often comes with backlash.
“If no one is talking about you, then you’re not truly a governor. Every day I wake up and hear nothing about myself, I start to worry. So don’t be discouraged—stand firm in the decisions you’ve made,” he advised.
Wike concluded by stressing the importance of public backing at the grassroots level.
“What matters most is; do your people stand with you? If the answer is yes, then keep going,” he said.
