Wike defends Okpebholo on Peter Obi visit, says supporting Obaseki in 2020 was a mistake

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has declared his full support for Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state over his recent remarks concerning Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).

Wike, who spoke on Tuesday during the launch of the modern Edo Line mass transit service in Benin City, said Okpebholo’s comments about Obi were not threats but sound security advice.

He faulted claims that the governor had attempted to intimidate the former Anambra governor, describing such accusations as mischievous.

“When I was governor, when Peter Obi was coming to my state, he notified me that he was coming to my state,” Wike said.

“I provided logistics, vehicles for him to use because at that level, as a presidential candidate, if he does not tell you and anything happens, the governor will be held responsible.

“And people should stop politicking when the truth is being told. Obi, knowing fully well, with the so-called coalition, anything can happen, they will accuse the governor that he was behind it.

“So, the statement you made, you are quite right. You didn’t say, don’t come. What I’m saying is, if you are coming, tell me because I’m here to protect you.

“So, governor, you are right. If the man says he won’t listen to you, it’s okay. You have done your own work.

“People play to the gallery. This is not where a presidential candidate will be going to serve food. You know this is pretense. How long will you be serving the food? As a president, you will carry food and be serving and Nigerians are laughing.”

‘SUPPORTING OBASEKI IN 2020 WAS A MISTAKE’

The FCT minister also apologised to the people of Edo state and former APC national chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, for supporting Governor Godwin Obaseki in the 2020 election, calling the move regrettable.

Wike said despite the political distractions and legal battles, Okpebholo had shown leadership by delivering tangible projects within eight months in office.

“A man who passed from the tribunal to the court of appeal, to the Supreme Court, he was focused on making sure he delivers the dividends of democracy to the people of Edo State,” he said.

“So many people would have used that as an excuse — you know we are in court… I’m distracted.

“But this governor refused to be distracted and in eight months, see where we are today. He took the bull by the horn, just like what Mr. President did. The moment Mr. President was inaugurated, he hit the ground running.

“That is what Senator Okpebholo has done in Edo by making sure there is nothing like excuses.”

Speaking earlier, Okpebholo reiterated that his directive to Obi was based on security concerns and not an attempt to stoke political tension.

He also recalled how one of his police escorts was killed in a previous incident in Benin — a loss he blamed on ignored security advice.

“The commissioner of police asked me to remain at the Benin airport when I arrived at Benin City, and I was attacked at the airport as one of my security guards was shot dead right in my presence,” Okpebholo said.

“I had a security report and advised the former governor of Anambra State to inform me whenever he is coming to Edo State. If he likes, let him take my advice.”