Must Read
Former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has boldly replied to the Governor of Edo State, Mr Monday Okpebholo, saying he is not afraid of stepping into any part of Nigeria.
Obi gave this response on Thursday while addressing journalists in Onitsha, Anambra State. He made it clear that his visits to states across the country are driven by a deep commitment to supporting causes that uplift society — not for politics.
The reply comes after a statement reportedly made by Governor Okpebholo claimed that Peter Obi must get approval or clearance before coming into Edo State again. The remark stirred up reactions, as many saw it as uncalled for and an unnecessary attempt to politicise a genuine act of goodwill.
But Peter Obi, known for his calm and focused style, did not let the statement shake him. In his words, he said:
“I am not afraid of visiting any state in Nigeria, particularly when the purpose is to support causes that contribute to nation-building, such as education, health, and poverty alleviation.”
He explained that his recent visit to Benin City, which sparked the controversy, was purely humanitarian. According to him, it was not a political rally or campaign, but a personal effort to invest in the wellbeing of Nigerians, especially in the healthcare sector.
Obi added:
“I went to Benin to invest in a better life for the people. If they have good doctors and nurses, life will be better for them. What I expect the governor to do is to complement efforts aimed at improving society.”
During his speech in Onitsha, Obi also made a donation to his former school. The event was held at Christ the King College (CKC), and the donation was aimed at improving education facilities. The Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, who received the donation on behalf of the school, praised Peter Obi and described his contributions as impactful and inspiring.
The Archbishop said that Obi, along with other old boys of the school, has shown great commitment to education and national progress, encouraging others to follow in his footsteps.
Also speaking at the event, the Senior Prefect of the school, Master Ejike Ekene, thanked Obi for his donation. He called him a "true role model" and expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the entire student body.
This latest development highlights once again the tension between political leadership and humanitarian efforts in Nigeria. While Obi has continued to gain support across the country for his calm and service-driven approach, some politicians appear threatened by his influence — even when he is not contesting for anything.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to praise Obi’s response and to question why a sitting governor would attempt to block someone from making a charitable visit to their state. For some, it is a reminder that in Nigeria, even good deeds can become political battles.
But Peter Obi seems focused on what he believes matters most — building a better Nigeria, one visit at a time.
As tensions rise in political circles, one thing is clear: Peter Obi is not backing down from his mission to touch lives, whether or not he gets a welcome from the gate.
