Renowned Nollywood actor, lawyer, and Labour Party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has strongly condemned the recent remarks allegedly made by the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, regarding former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In a now-viral video from a political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, Governor Okpebholo appeared to suggest that Obi’s visit to Edo State stirred tension and should not be repeated without prior clearance from the state government.
“This message is for the man who says he has no shishi,” the governor said, referencing Obi’s popular slogan symbolizing modesty and financial integrity. “There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just enter Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking,” Okpebholo warned in the video that has sparked outrage online.
The comment did not sit well with many, especially supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as the Obidients, who quickly began digging into the past of APC’s Edo State chairman, Jarret Tenebe, believed to be an ally of Okpebholo. Allegations of past criminal activities have surfaced, further fueling tension between the ruling APC and the Labour Party base in Edo.
Reacting to the governor’s statement, Kenneth Okonkwo issued a strongly worded message during an X (formerly Twitter) space, labelling the comment as reckless and dangerous.
“You dare threaten Peter Obi and think there won’t be consequences?” Okonkwo said. “An attack on one Igbo man is an attack on all. If you touch Peter Obi, you touch the entire East. And if anything happens to him, I swear, Nigeria will not contain the anger.”
He also described Okpebholo’s words as “tribalistic, undemocratic, and unworthy of a man holding public office.”
Meanwhile, in a swift response to the backlash, Governor Okpebholo has denied threatening Peter Obi. In a statement released by his media team, the governor clarified that his remarks were misunderstood and that he never intended to incite violence or intimidate anyone.
He stated that his message was about ensuring security protocols are followed, especially by high-profile political figures.
“Governor Okpebholo holds the responsibility of ensuring peace and security in Edo State,” the statement read. “He only emphasized the need for public figures to notify the state ahead of any major engagement to allow for adequate security arrangements.”
Despite the clarification, the damage may already be done, as the statement has continued to generate widespread criticism on social media, especially among Igbo communities and supporters of Peter Obi.
Many political watchers believe the entire episode is a reflection of growing political tension ahead of the 2024 Edo gubernatorial elections, where Obi’s popularity remains influential across the South-South and South-East regions.
