Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has dismissed a reported claim by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, that he must seek clearance before visiting the state. Obi insisted that he is free to visit any part of Nigeria and will not be intimidated.
He made the statement on Thursday in Onitsha during the presentation of a ₦50 million cheque to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), in support of infrastructural development. The donation, made in collaboration with fellow alumni, aims to enhance learning conditions and improve facilities at the school.
CKC, founded in 1932, boasts several prominent graduates, including Dr. Peter Odili, former governor of Rivers State, and former Anambra governors Peter Obi and Willie Obiano.
Addressing attendees 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 concern that his recent visit to Benin was politicized, clarifying that it was solely to support improvements in healthcare within 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 said.
On the CKC donation, Obi described the contribution as a token of appreciation to a school that shaped his values and those of many others.
“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 alumni, and old students across the country, to support their former schools, stressing that education should not be left solely in the hands of government.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the institution, the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke — himself an alumnus — praised Obi and his peers for their commitment to educational and national development. He also prayed for their continued success 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, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the generous support.
