FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has thrown his support behind Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s controversial statement requiring former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to seek permission before visiting the state.
Speaking in a media coverage by TVC, Wike defended the governor’s position by drawing from his own experience as Rivers State governor. “I’ve watched on television of recent unnecessary debates, and that is why I say Nigerians forget history. When I was governor, when Peter Obi was coming to my state, he notified me that he was coming to my state. I provided logistics, vehicles for you to use,” Wike stated, citing precedent for such protocols.
The FCT Minister emphasized the security responsibilities that governors bear for high-profile visitors, particularly presidential candidates. “At that level as a profile for presidential candidates. 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, with their so-called coalition, anything can happen. They will accuse the governor that he was behind it,” he warned, referencing possible blame scenarios.
The minister clarified his interpretation of Governor Okpebholo’s statement, suggesting it focused on notification rather than prohibition. “So the statement you made, you are quite right. You didn’t say don’t come. All I’m saying is that if you are coming, tell me because I’m here to protect you,” Wike stated.
However, Wike also criticized what he described as paid political commentary on the issue. “But they pay people, and they give people money. They go to television. You have never told Nigerians don’t come to you, and you won’t do that,” he concluded.
The FCT Minister advised the Governor to recognize the inherent challenges of leadership, explaining that occupying a position of authority inevitably attracts criticism and negative attention. He used a metaphor to illustrate this point, comparing a leader’s role to that of a receptacle for various forms of criticism and complaints from the public.
The Minister emphasized that such treatment is directly linked to the governor’s position of power, noting that individuals who do not hold gubernatorial office typically avoid such intense scrutiny and criticism. He suggested that constant public commentary and criticism are occupational hazards that come with the territory of being a state governor.
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