The Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, on Thursday dismissed a statement credited to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who reportedly said Obi must seek clearance before visiting the state.
The former governor of Anambra state stated that he is not afraid of visiting any part of the country.
Obi stated this in Onitsha during the presentation of a ₦50 million check to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), in support of infrastructural development. The donation, made in collaboration with fellow Old Boys of the school, is aimed at improving educational facilities and learning conditions at the institution.
The CKC, founded in 1932, has produced notable alumni, including former Rivers State Governor Dr. Peter Odili and two former Anambra governors—Peter Obi and Willie Obiano.
Speaking at the event, he said, “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 that his recent visit to Benin was politicised, clarifying that the visit was strictly to support healthcare development in 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.
He described the donation to CKC as a sign of gratitude to the organisation that helped develop his and many others’ ideals.
“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 said.
He urged other CKC graduates and others across the country to help their previous schools, emphasising that the government should not bear the entire burden of educational growth.
The Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, an Old Boy, accepted the donation on behalf of the school and praised Obi and others for their commitment to education and national development. He prayed and encouraged others to follow their example.
In his remarks, the school’s Senior Prefect, Master Ejike Ekene, described Obi as a role model and inspiration to students and expressed gratitude for the generous support.
