Edo Information Commissioner Says Peter Obi Should Have Notified State Before Visit
Kassim Afegbua, the Information Commissioner of Edo State, has stated that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi ought to have informed the state government prior to his recent visit.
Afegbua made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, in response to the reported gunmen attack on Obi and other members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State. The incident, widely described as an ‘assassination attempt,’ has sparked nationwide concern.
The Commissioner clarified that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s statement last year—asking Obi to seek clearance before entering Edo—was misinterpreted. Afegbua explained that as a politically exposed person, Obi was expected to extend the courtesy of notifying the government before visiting the state.
“What happened in Edo should be located within the ambit of the ADC—one factional group of the ADC versus another faction of the ADC,” Afegbua added, suggesting that the attack was more an internal party conflict than a broader political issue.
Opinion: Courtesy vs. Security Protocols
While Afegbua’s comments focus on political protocol and courtesy, the broader conversation must include personal safety and the role of state security. High-profile politicians, especially in volatile political climates, are often targets for attacks, intentional or accidental. Even if Obi’s visit involved internal party matters, it raises questions about coordination between politicians and local authorities to ensure safety.
Expecting courtesy in political visits is reasonable, but it cannot replace security measures or proactive protection for political figures. The attack on Obi and ADC members underscores the need for clear communication, threat assessment, and collaborative safety protocols—regardless of party dynamics.
Ultimately, the incident highlights a balance between political etiquette and practical security. Courtesy is important, but safeguarding lives must remain the top priority. For Edo State and political actors nationwide, lessons from this event should prompt improved planning and collaboration to prevent similar threats in the future.
