Former Edo State Governor and current Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has said that Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, should have informed Governor Monday Okpebholo before visiting the state.
Oshiomhole described such a step as a matter of “decency and self-respect,” especially when visiting state-owned facilities.
His comment follows recent tensions between Obi and Governor Okpebholo, who last week warned the former Anambra governor against visiting Edo without prior notice. The governor also linked Obi’s recent visit to a security breach that allegedly led to the deaths of three people. The statement drew criticism from various quarters, with many accusing Okpebholo of trying to intimidate political opponents.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Friday, Oshiomhole supported the governor’s stance and highlighted the importance of following due process.
“Let’s face it, the property of the Edo State Government is entrusted in the hands of the Edo governor,” Oshiomhole said. “If I go to Enugu or Anambra while Obi was governor and want to visit a government-owned school, it is only right to inform the authorities.”
He also added, “Peter Obi was my colleague. I liked him then and I still do, but we don’t agree politically. Still, we must all respect institutions and officeholders, even if we differ in views.”
Peter Obi was expected to visit a state-run nursing school in Edo, which Oshiomhole mentioned is fully funded and maintained by the government.
Oshiomhole’s remarks come amid growing political activity in Edo State ahead of the 2024 governorship election, with tensions rising between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties.