Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party stalwart, Mr. Peter Obi, has firmly responded to a comment reportedly made by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, suggesting that Obi must seek official clearance before visiting Edo. Dismissing the claim as baseless, Obi declared that he is not afraid to travel to any part of Nigeria especially when the purpose is in service of national development.
Obi made the statement in Onitsha, Anambra State, during a ceremony at his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), where he presented a ₦50 million cheque in support of infrastructural development at the institution. The contribution, made alongside fellow alumni, aims to upgrade educational facilities and enhance the learning environment at the historic school.
Founded in 1932, Christ the King College has produced many distinguished Nigerians, including former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, and former Anambra Governors, Peter Obi himself and Chief Willie Obiano.
Addressing the audience at the event, Obi 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 regret over the political interpretation of his recent visit to Benin City, clarifying that the trip was aimed at supporting healthcare advancement, not political maneuvering.
“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 said, urging a more collaborative, apolitical approach to development.
Reflecting on the donation to CKC, Obi described it as a heartfelt gesture of appreciation to the school that helped instill in him and many others the core values of discipline, morality, and academic excellence.
“This school helped form the values I and many others still hold dear today. Supporting it is a way of giving back,” he emphasized, calling on other alumni across Nigeria to support their former schools, stressing that education should not be left solely to the government.
The cheque was received on behalf of CKC by the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, also an alumnus of the college. Archbishop Okeke commended Obi and his fellow Old Boys for their unwavering commitment to education and national development. He offered prayers and encouraged others to follow their example.
Also speaking at the event, the school’s Senior Prefect, Master Ejike Ekene, described Mr. Obi as a role model and a source of inspiration for current students. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the generous support, which he said would significantly impact the school’s future.
With his actions and words, Peter Obi continues to advocate for a development-driven, inclusive approach to governance prioritizing education, healthcare, and community upliftment above partisan politics.
