2023 labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has clarified that the comment of the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo barring him entry into the state without clearance does not bother him.
According to the former governor of Anambra state, he is not afraid to visit any state in Nigeria.
He stated this during his visit to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha where he also presented a cheque of ₦50 million in support of infrastructural development.
In his remark, Obi revealed that the donation was in collaboration with fellow Old Boys of the school including former Rivers State Governor Dr. Peter Odili, and former Anambra governors; Peter Obi and Willie Obiano.
He disclosed that the visit is aimed at improving educational facilities and learning conditions of the institution.
In his remark, Obi expressed disappointment that his visit to Edo state was misinterpreted and politicized when he only went there to support healthcare development of the state.
He said; “Threats don’t make any meaning to me. I receive threats everyday. Do you know how many times I have been threatened all over Nigeria? I receive threats everyday actually, the ones you know about was because it was vocal, but I will not be afraid.
“If I have the opportunity to go to Benin and make donations again, trust me, I will. I have always said that we should de-emphasize politics and think more of how to invest in the people. I went to Benin to invest in people because if they have good doctors, good nurses, they will have a better life
“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.
“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. Instead of threatening me. He should be sincerely grateful.”
About the CKC donation, Obi noted that the gesture was simply a show of gratitude to the institution that shaped his values and that of many others who have passed through the institution and those in the process.
He said; “This school helped form the values I and many others still hold dear today — discipline, moral grounding, and academic excellence. Supporting it is a way of giving back.
The former governor alerted other alumni of CKC and the alumni of different school across the country to support their the development of their school noting that the government should not bear the burden alone.
In his remark, Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke who received the donation and also an Old Boy, lauded Obi and others for their dedication to education and national development as he urged others to emulate them.
Also, the school’s Senior Prefect, Master Ejike Ekene, who spoke stated that Peter Obi is his role model and an inspiration to many students of the school and across the country.
