The State of Edo Now

21/07/2025

Peter Obi is Now the APC's Official Nightmare.

A few days have passed since the reckless, senseless, and downright embarrassing statement made by the Governor of Edo State, better still, the "illiterate governor" who proudly carries around WAEC results with more D7s and only one credit, and somehow found himself in the Government House. His warning to Peter Obi to "seek clearance" before entering Edo, else "anything that happens to him, he should bear it," isn't just a threat but an insult to common sense, to democracy, and to the Nigerian Constitution. Although I've been on vacation to the exterior, I've been thinking about it since then, and the more I reflect, the more it smells of coordinated desperation.

What makes it even more pathetic is that it is coming from someone who clearly isn't fit to provide security, not to talk of threatening to withdraw it. This is a man who should be busy fixing his own image and learning the basics of governance, not flexing muscles at a man who has never held a machete, much less a gun, except, of course, the weapon of his clean record, clarity of thought, and conscience.

But then again, this is no longer isolated. We saw the same script played in Benue under Governor Alia. In fact, Governor Alia opened the gate for this sort of show-of-shame. From the moment he shamelessly began putting himself with the APC establishment and began witch-hunting anything that smells like "Obi-dient" in Benue, it was clear this would spread. He laid the foundation, and now Governor Monday Okpebholo is following like a backup singer who doesn't even know the lyrics.

The same script in states where Peter Obi won massively in 2023 is being weaponized. Their governors are falling over themselves to act like the best errand boys for Tinubu's 2027 fear campaign. That's the real headache. These governors know Peter Obi is not just a man, he's a growing political movement, and they're panicking. Instead of facing governance, they're forming a bulwark of insecurity and hostility around their states to stop one man from entering. Why? Because he exposed the rot. Because he has become the mirror showing them their own failure. Because he reminds Nigerians that politics can be decent, honest, and focused on results. And so, they resort to pettiness.

If Peter Obi had been a political nobody, would they care? No. But because he is now the loud conscience they can't mute, the ghost of good governance they can't exorcise, they're doing all they can to shut him out physically, since intellectually and morally, they've already lost the fight.

It's even more disturbing when you think of 2027. If they can threaten him like this in 2025, imagine what kind of brazen madness we might witness in the buildup to the next elections. If governors, who are supposed to be custodians of law and peace, are already talking like political thugs in agbada/suit, then we are in for a perilous cycle. Democracy is no longer under threat; it's already being stabbed repeatedly.

Peter Obi has now become the official nightmare of the APC. They talk about him every day, fear his next move, track his next visits, and try to block him from even breathing. You would think he's carrying a nuclear weapon, no, he's just walking with a clear mind and a clean track record, something most of them will never understand.

Governors who can't even secure a primary school from kidnapping are now issuing threats to a citizen who simply wants to visit and talk with people. If that doesn't tell you where Nigeria is headed, I don't know what will.

May 2027 not be the year Nigeria finally loses what's left of her democratic sanity. Because right now, all signs point to madness on the rise.

And as for the Edo governor, if WAEC results could speak, they'd be crying right now. Instead of being humbled by failure, he's busy threatening excellence. Peter Obi is not your problem. Your own certificate and your performance are. Fix that first! And know that "Whom God has blessed, no man can curse..."

Shalom!
Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ

21/07/2025

Why a Priest Must Speak: A Response to Concerns over My Open Letter to Governor Okpebholo

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, fellow Nigerians, and concerned citizens,

Grace and peace to you all.

Following the publication of my open letter to His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, I have received a mixture of praise, criticism, and concern. I write this response not to fan the flames of controversy, but to offer clarity, context, and calm, especially for those genuinely troubled by the fact that a Catholic priest would speak so boldly on political issues.

Let me begin by affirming that I am not a priest of the Archdiocese of Benin City, and at no point did I claim to represent the Archdiocese or speak on its behalf. I am a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Uromi, ordained to proclaim the truth of the Gospel “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).

My voice, in that open letter, was not the voice of an institution (not of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi, and certainly not of the Archdiocese of Benin City); but the conscience of a concerned citizen, a pastor of souls, and a servant of the common good.

Why Should a Priest Speak on Political Matters?

The idea that priests should remain “apolitical” is often misunderstood. The Church teaches that priests must not partisanly align with political parties or promote political agendas for personal gain.

However, when politics becomes a platform for injustice, intimidation, or social breakdown, the priest, and indeed, all of us, must raise a prophetic voice. To be silent in the face of such dangers is to betray both the truth of the Gospel and the entire people of God.

The Second Vatican Council in 'Gaudium et Spes (The Church in the Modern World)' reminds us that:

“The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age... are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.” (GS 1)

If the people are anxious about political violence, if they are alarmed by public threats made by elected leaders, then the Church, and her ministers, must not stand aloof. We must accompany our people, speak truth to power, and advocate for a society rooted in justice, dignity, and peace.

On Language and Tone

Some have said that the tone of my open letter was “harsh” or “disrespectful.” I ask you to read it again; not with political lenses, but with moral clarity. I made sure there was no insult and no attack on the Governor’s person. What I confronted was the 'content' of his public speech, its implications, and the dangerous precedent it sets.

In 'Evangelii Gaudium', Pope Francis boldly states:

“Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor... The Church cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice.” (EG 183)

The words I used were chosen with purpose, to awaken the conscience of leaders and citizens alike. Truth, especially in public life, often makes people uncomfortable. But silence in the face of injustice is far more dangerous than discomfort.

On Incitement and Civic Peace

Some have warned that my letter could lead to “incitement.” I share their concern for peace. But let me categorically state here that to call for accountability, justice, and constitutional order is not incitement. Rather, it is a call to de-escalate political recklessness, to prevent violence, and to ensure that all citizens, regardless of party, faith, or status, are treated with dignity.

The Church has always supported legitimate authority but has also reminded civil authorities that power must be exercised as service, not as domination. As the 'Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church' notes:

“Political authority must guarantee the conditions for the exercise of freedom… it must never be arbitrary or based on the use of force.”(CSDC 395)

When a sitting Governor threatens the security of a fellow citizen simply for visiting a state and donating to a school, we must ask: is this service, or domination?

Conclusion: Service Without Justice Is a Contradiction

I did not write that letter out of anger. I wrote it out of love; love for Nigeria, for democracy, for human dignity, and for the soul of leadership. A society where charity is politicized, where opposition voices are threatened, is a society on the edge of moral collapse.

To those who feel uneasy, I ask you: what is the role of a priest if not to comfort the afflicted and afflict the unjustly comfortable?

To those who feel inspired, I say: do not be afraid to raise your voices too for justice. Democracy is not sustained by silence, but by the courage of ordinary citizens like me and you, and leaders who believe in truth, no matter whose Ox is gored.

Finally, to Governor Okpebholo: I continue to pray for you. May you govern with wisdom, not wrath; with restraint, not recklessness. The people of Edo deserve leadership that listens, not threatens.

In the words of St. Oscar Romero, “A Church that does not provoke any crises, a Gospel that does not unsettle, a word of God that does not get under anyone’s skin... such a Church, such a Gospel... are not the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

May we all walk the path of justice, compassion, and peace.

Yours, in faith and service,
© Rev. Fr. Kevin Oselumhense Anetor

Catholic Priest | Social Advocate | Citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

21/07/2025

This is the video of Peter Obi's July 7th, 2025 visit which the Edo State Government is going round national TV stations lying that the visit caused a non-existent stamped and death which they can't provide details of where the incident occurred

21/07/2025

21/07/2025

Commissioner of Information of Edo state, Paul Ohonbamu was asked where was the stampede during Peter Obi’s visit to Edo State reported by Governor Monday Okpebholo that led to the death of 3 persons, listen to what he has to say.

21/07/2025

The governor (Gov. Okpebholo) should be focused on security and health care system of his state and not threatening people.

-Nana Kazaure, Labour Party member reacts to Gov. Okpebholo’s remarks on Peter Obi’s Edo visit.

21/07/2025

Monday Okpebholo was born on a Tuesday

19/07/2025

Teacher Oshiomhole needs to add 'S' for Sheriff.

19/07/2025

An Open Letter to the Governor of Edo State: On the Dangers of Political Intolerance and the Recklessness of Public Threats

Dear Governor Monday Okpebholo,

Greetings in the name of the common good.

I watched with growing concern and a deep sense of civic duty the video clip of your remarks at a recent public event, where you received decampees from the opposition PDP into the APC. Your statement, now widely circulated on social and traditional media, directly referenced Mr. Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate. Permit me to refresh your memory on your exact words:

"The man wey say he nor get shishi, I am sending a direct message to him. There is a new Sheriff in Town. He cannot come to Edo without telling me. Because his security will never be guaranteed. Whatever happens to him when he's in Edo State, he will take it. I am serious about it..."

Sir, with all due respect to your Exalted office, this is one of the most troubling statements ever made by a sitting Governor in Nigeria's Fourth Republic. In fact, if words were weapons, your utterance would qualify as a loaded gun aimed at the very heart of democratic freedom and civility.

Let us unpack the logical inconsistencies in your claim.

First, you question the source of Mr. Obi’s donation of ₦15 million to St. Philomena Catholic Nursing School in Benin City, as though generosity were a crime. Mr. Obi, known across Nigeria for his modest lifestyle and philanthropic visits to schools and hospitals, made a routine visit to an institution dedicated to the training of nurses; our heroes in white, whose services are vital to Edo and Nigeria at large. To suggest that this act of charity was somehow responsible for the death of three persons is not only absurd, it is also deeply irresponsible.

Where is the evidence linking Mr. Obi’s visit to the alleged crisis? Was it his mere presence that caused the violence? Were the security agencies not informed? And if indeed such a tragic incident occurred, what has your government done to investigate it, punish the perpetrators, and ensure non-recurrence? It is easier to scapegoat a political opponent than to govern responsibly. But we the Edo people are not fools.

Your comments eerily echo those made by the Governor of Benue State, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, when Mr. Obi attempted to visit Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in that state. That, too, was a disgraceful episode, where politics was placed above compassion and humanity. Are we now saying that political affiliation determines one's right to show empathy? Shall we reduce governance to a playground of bullies and gatekeepers?

Governor Okpebholo, Nigeria is not a monarchy, and Edo State is not a private estate. Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees that:

“Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof..."

Your threat to Mr. Obi’s life and security is not only unconstitutional, it is a dangerous incitement. It sets a precedent that political rivalry justifies lawlessness. The implication is that any person not aligned with the ruling party must first "take permission" before entering a state in their own country. That, Sir, is tyranny in sheep’s clothing.

If this were a saner clime, all your public relations advisers and image managers would have handed in their resignation letters by now, for dereliction of duty and for failing to school their principal in the etiquette of public speech. There is such a thing as statesmanship. It demands restraint. It requires a measure of dignity. It places the burden of leadership above the temptations of partisanship.

Mr. Obi did not visit Edo to hold a political rally. He did not incite violence, nor did he speak ill of your government. He came to donate to a health institution; something we should all be doing more of. If your government cannot match such efforts, at least allow others who can.

The time has come for all lovers of democracy to speak up. Nigeria is bigger than any political party. And no Governor, no matter how newly installed, has the constitutional right to threaten a fellow citizen or undermine his safety.

Governor Okpebholo, the office you hold is a sacred trust. Use your words to build, not to burn. Use your power to serve, not to threaten.

Because indeed, there is a new Sheriff in town. And his name is Democracy.

Yours, in the service of truth and justice,

© Rev. Fr. Kevin Oselumhense Anetor

Catholic Priest | Social Advocate | Citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

19/07/2025

A heart felt apology to Mr Peter Obi and Nigerians.

Edo voters had no hand in this...

By Ogbeide Ifaluyi-isibor

The last 24 hours have been quite interesting as the entire nation watched the Governor of Edo State make some very uncharitable remarks while he warned former Governor of Anambra State H.E Peter Obi not to visit the state unless his permission is requested as Mr Obi's security will not be guaranteed without his consent and in his words, He should take whatever he gets.

Well! Let's me start by saying that that's not who we are. The Edo people are generally hospitable and very accommodating. We are a decent nation congregated by largely educated and exposed people, we do not issue unwarranted threats to friends or even foes.

It is generally agreed that the leader of a community is but a reflection of the people in that community. It is also generally acknowledged that to every rule or assumption, there's an exception. Please! This is an obvious exception for us in Edo. This Governor appears not to be a true reflection of us in words and in deeds.
Let's make it also clear that this was the creation of INEC and not the generality of the Edo people as determined by their votes in a democracy.

I received several calls and messages bothering on the video that has since gone viral and the first explanation I gave was that Governor Godwin Obaseki was no longer Governor of Edo State and this new "Chair-riff" in town is like "Alice in wonderland " he was obviously over excited and didn't submit his words to much thoughts.

We are asking the general public and especially Mr Peter Obi to regard that video as a skit from an upcoming content creator who is trying hard to get monetized.

No Nigerian alive has the capacity or imprimatur by the Constitution to prevent any Nigerian from visiting or living in any part of Nigeria. Nobody needs the permission of anybody to visit any state of his choice in Nigeria.

The world knows of the love Edo people have for Peter Obi and the truth is that even if Mr Obi joins "Birthday Party or end of year Party", by 2pm on Election day, that party would have won the highest number of lawful votes in the polling unit of the Governor. We are Edo people and we know what political value anyone brings to the table.

When Peter Obi was Governor, our brother was probably searching for miracle centers in Jos where he could write WAEC and pass for the last time, so let's allow this slide and forgive the error.

We and our ancestors love all and welcome all to our dear state.

Lately, the State Government appears seemingly intolerable of dissenting opinions or views so let me apologize to anyone in Government House who may be offended by this piece because I no fit for police case abeg.