The Labour Party (LP) Caucus in the House of Representatives has raised alarm over what it described as an open threat by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, against the life and security of Mr. Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. The caucus condemned the governor’s comments as despicable, outrageous, shocking, uncouth, and deeply disappointing.
At a public event on Friday, July 18, Governor Okpebholo reportedly stated that Peter Obi should not visit Edo State without obtaining prior permission and security clearance, suggesting that his safety could not be guaranteed otherwise.
“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. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” the governor allegedly said.
In a statement issued in Awka on Saturday, Hon. Victor Ogene, leader of the LP caucus in the House of Representatives, emphasised that Peter Obi, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to visit any part of the country without fear of harassment, threats, or harm.
The caucus strongly criticised Governor Okpebholo’s remarks, describing them as uncivil, unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unbecoming of a state governor and public officer.
“Mr. Peter Obi’s philanthropic activities across the country demonstrate his humanity and empathy for the people, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion. Rather than being vilified, he should be commended for his contributions to human capital development nationwide.
“As a champion of democracy, nation-building, and sustainable development, Peter Obi deserves protection and support from all who share these values.
“It is shocking to hear such inflammatory statements from a governor, especially one who was previously a senator. This behaviour is unbecoming of a democratically elected leader and chief security officer of a state.
“What example are we setting for the younger generation regarding civility, respect for human rights, and the rule of law? How can we fight violence in society if leaders openly promote intolerance, bigotry, and anti-democratic tendencies as Governor Okpebholo has done?
“If the governor can make such inciteful statements publicly, one wonders what kind of rhetoric he uses behind closed doors against opposition members or perceived political enemies.
“Politics should never be a matter of life and death. No one deserves harm over their political beliefs or associations. Bitterness, pettiness, and violence should have no place in a democracy, especially among leaders who claim to be democrats.
“It is telling that Governor Okpebholo made these troubling remarks during the defection ceremony of Hon. Marcus Onobun, a House of Representatives member whom he had earlier threatened with the demolition of his house for allegedly harbouring cultists.
“Will the governor still demolish Hon. Onobun’s home now that he has coerced him into his party?
“It is only in Nigeria that a governor would boast about insecurity in his state or announce the deaths of citizens without providing any evidence.
“We urge President Bola Tinubu to call Governor Okpebholo to order and ensure that no harm comes to Peter Obi anywhere in Nigeria or beyond.
“Just recently, it was Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State; today, it is Okpebholo of Edo. If the APC believes it can use threats to diminish Peter Obi’s popularity, they are mistaken.
“Ensuring the safety of lives and property is a fundamental duty of government, and Nigeria should not be an exception,” the statement concluded.
