Labour party senators Slam Edo governor for threatening Peter Obi, demand public apology
The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the Nigerian Senate has called on Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to apologise to Nigerians over a controversial remark in which he demanded that Peter Obi obtain clearance before visiting the state.
In a joint statement issued Saturday and signed by Senators Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey, and Tony Nwoye, the lawmakers described the governor’s comments as “executive rascality and abuse of office.”
“We humbly urge the Executive Governor of Edo State to quickly withdraw his unguarded statement threatening Mr Peter Obi’s life, freedom of movement, and personal security and tender an unreserved apology to all Nigerians for violating the Nigerian Constitution, which he swore to uphold,” the statement read in part.
The backlash follows comments made by Governor Okpebholo on Friday, in which he warned the LP presidential candidate against visiting Edo State without prior security clearance. Speaking at a public event, Okpebholo linked Obi’s last visit to the state with violence, claiming that three people were killed afterwards and alleging that the former governor left behind ₦15 million. “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed,” he said.
In response, the LP senators cited Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right of every Nigerian to move freely within the country. “Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of Nigeria, and his movement is guaranteed and should not be curtailed by sheer executive lawlessness and impudence,” they stated.
The senators further urged the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to take note of what they described as a threat to Obi’s freedom and safety. “The Nigeria of this century cannot afford to condone executive rascality and abuse of office by public officers for the peace and harmony of our dear country,” the statement added.
They also called for national reflection on the need to protect democratic values and uphold constitutional rights, especially for leaders who, like Obi, represent alternative visions for national progress.
