…Says Protocol, Not Ego, Is at Stake
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has come out in strong support of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, backing his stance that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, should have informed him before visiting the state.
Speaking at the commissioning of the New Edo Line project in Benin City, Wike criticized Obi for failing to notify Governor Okpebholo ahead of his visit. He pointed out that during his own tenure as governor, Obi consistently followed due process by seeking clearance before entering Rivers State.
“Peter Obi never came to Rivers without informing me. That’s the proper protocol,” Wike stated. “You don’t just enter another governor’s territory unannounced, especially as a major political figure.”
Wike emphasized that the issue goes beyond politics or personal ego. Instead, he framed it as a matter of administrative courtesy and security coordination, particularly given Obi’s position as a leading opposition voice under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.
He argued that any political visit by a figure of Obi’s stature demands prior notice to ensure appropriate security and logistical arrangements.
“If anything were to happen while he’s in Edo and the governor is unaware, the blame falls on the state government. That’s why protocol exists — to protect everyone involved,” Wike asserted.
He concluded by insisting that Governor Okpebholo was right to demand such notification, calling it a standard and necessary practice in governance.
