The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, has rejected the assertion by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, that he must obtain security clearance before visiting Edo State.
The former Anambra State Governor declared his unwavering resolve to visit any part of Nigeria without fear, especially when the purpose is aligned with national development.
Obi made this known in Onitsha during a ceremony where he presented a ₦50 million cheque to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), to support infrastructural development.
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This significant donation, made in collaboration with other Old Boys of the institution, aims to enhance educational facilities and improve learning conditions at the venerable school, established in 1932.
CKC boasts a distinguished alumni list, including former Rivers State Governor Dr Peter Odili, and two former Anambra governors, Obi himself and Willie Obiano.
Speaking at the event, he stated, “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 expressed disappointment over the politicisation of his recent visit to Benin, clarifying that his presence was strictly to support healthcare advancement within the state.
“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,” Obi added, suggesting a collaborative approach to societal upliftment.
Regarding the donation to CKC, Obi described the gesture as an expression of gratitude to the institution that significantly influenced his and many others’ core values.
“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,” he affirmed.
He also called upon other alumni, both from CKC and across the nation, to support their former schools, stressing that the responsibility for educational development should not rest solely with the government.
Receiving the generous donation on behalf of the school, the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, who is also an alumnus, commended Obi and his fellow Old Boys for their dedication to education and national progress.
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He offered prayers and urged others to follow their commendable example.
Master Ejike Ekene, the school’s Senior Prefect, also offered remarks, describing the 64-year-old as an inspiring role model for the students and expressing profound appreciation for the substantial support.
