…Says comment on Peter Obi was not a threat
By Israel Adamu, Jos
An Abuja-based public health physician, Dr. Iboro Etukumana, has affirmed that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, is fully committed to governance and the development of the state.
Dr. Etukumana, speaking on Monday, said the governor has already initiated massive development projects across the state and urged him to remain focused and undistracted by critics.
He also clarified that Governor Okpebholo’s recent remarks directed at Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, should not be misconstrued as a threat.
“The Governor merely emphasized the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and obtain security clearance before undertaking any public engagement in the state. This should not be misinterpreted as a threat,” Dr. Etukumana stated.
He supported the governor’s stance on the matter, expressing disappointment over what he described as the deliberate misrepresentation of Okpebholo’s comment.
“The politics of violence is completely alien to His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo. He is a firm believer in the rule of law. Even in the face of political provocation, unfounded allegations, and blatant disregard for statutory laws by certain political actors, the Governor has never and would never resort to violence,” he said.
In a statement released to the press, Dr. Etukumana further said:
“The Edo State Governor I know is a peaceful and law-abiding personality, who is fully focused on transforming the state. My attention was drawn to the various misinterpretations surrounding the governor’s comment regarding Peter Obi’s visit to the state. Let me state unequivocally – there was no threat made.”
Dr. Etukumana emphasized that Governor Okpebholo is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment in Edo State and has been working diligently to address the insecurity challenges inherited from previous administrations.
“The governor is determined to improve the lives of Edo citizens through a range of initiatives – from enhancing security to promoting inclusivity and driving economic growth,” he said.
He highlighted the administration’s efforts in upgrading state-owned health facilities to improve healthcare delivery, creating jobs, and revamping the state economy.
Among the notable milestones, Dr. Etukumana listed:
- The award and commencement of the construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin City.
- Procurement of payloaders, trucks, and compressors for the Edo State Waste Management Agency.
- Passage and implementation of the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Law, empowering the state to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.
“These actions are yielding visible results, and the benefits are already being felt across the state,” he noted.
He concluded by urging the governor to remain steadfast and undistracted in his development drive:
“I call on Governor Okpebholo not to be distracted but to continue focusing on the transformation of Edo State.”
