BENIN CITY — Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has responded to backlash over his recent remarks about Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stating that his words were misunderstood and exaggerated by critics.
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In a pointed rebuttal, Governor Okpebholo said, “They said I don’t know how to talk. Just one word, and everybody was crying. I simply said, ‘Don’t come to Edo without telling me.’ I don’t know which one is paining them. Is it because I said they don’t have shishi? Didn’t they say they don’t have shishi, so why are they crying?”
The governor’s initial comment, which sparked controversy on social media, was perceived by some as a slight against Peter Obi and his supporters. However, Okpebholo maintains that his statement was taken out of context and insists it was not intended to provoke.
His use of the term “shishi” — a colloquial Nigerian expression for “money” — appears to reference the Labour Party’s well-known stance on running a frugal campaign during the 2023 elections.
Governor Okpebholo’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Edo State ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election. Observers say his latest response is likely to fuel further debate among supporters of different political camps.
