Nigeria, July 23 -- Despite widespread criticisms, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has defended his recent threats not to allow Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, to enter the South-south state without informing him.

Mr Okpebholo spoke on Tuesday in Benin at the official inauguration of the newly revived Edo Line, a state-run transport company.

The event was broadcast on Channels TV, a Lagos-based television station.

Edo Line was established in 1968 but had not been functional since 2010, with some of its staff members redeployed to the Edo State Ministry of Transport.

During a political rally in Edo on Friday, Mr Okpebholo warned Mr Obi not to enter the state without notifying him or obtaining securi...