It was with deep shock and dismay that I came across a trending video featuring the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, wherein he cast aspersions on the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, and the national leader of the Labour Party and Obidient Movement, His Excellency Mr. Peter Gregory Obi.
First, Your Excellency alleged that Mr. Peter Obi claimed he is a poor man and has “no shishi” — a claim that is false and completely unfounded. Mr. Obi has never described himself as a poor man. On the contrary, he has consistently stated that he is a successful businessman — a trader who rose to become the chairman of a bank and who owns several businesses in Nigeria and abroad. What Mr. Obi has maintained is that he does not spend money frivolously or use money to buy political loyalty. His refusal to “give shishi” is a principled stand against corrupt political practices — one that clearly seems to be misunderstood or deliberately misrepresented by you.
Secondly, your declaration that Mr. Obi should not come to Edo State without your permission is a blatant overreach, an abuse of office, and an infringement on his fundamental rights. Mr. Peter Obi is a respected citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and, like every other Nigerian, is constitutionally guaranteed the freedom of movement. He is widely known as a peaceful, generous, and law-abiding Nigerian.
It is important to remind Your Excellency that this same Mr. Obi, just a few weeks ago, donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena School of Nursing in Edo State — a gesture that reflects his commitment to development and humanity. Rather than being vilified, he deserves commendation.
If there is anyone who should require permission to enter Edo State, it is the criminal elements — killer herdsmen, kidnappers, cultists, and others who continue to terrorize our people. Not a respected statesman and national treasure like Mr. Peter Obi.
I respectfully urge Your Excellency to redirect this misplaced energy toward addressing the numerous challenges facing our dear state — including insecurity, cultism, herdsmen crisis, bad roads, flooding, inadequate healthcare and education infrastructure, drug abuse, youth unemployment, and the growing burden of state debt.
The time for politics is over. We are now in the era of governance. I encourage you, Your Excellency, to focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of Edo State and to desist from unnecessary distractions.
Hon. Murphy Osaro Omoruyi
Member, House of Representatives,
Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency
Hon. Murphy Osaro Omoruyi Replies Okpebholo Over Threat to Peter Obi
