The Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives has strongly condemned recent comments made by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, describing them as an open and dangerous threat to the life and security of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
In a statement released recently and signed by the caucus leader, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, the lawmakers said they were “shocked and outraged” by Governor Okpebholo’s remarks at a public event held on Friday, July 18, during which he warned that Peter Obi should not visit Edo State without obtaining prior permission and security clearance.
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N1.5 million—₦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 was quoted as saying.
The LP lawmakers condemned the governor’s remarks as “uncivil, unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unbecoming” of a public servant occupying such a high office.
“Mr. Peter Obi, like any other Nigerian, has the constitutional right to move freely and visit any part of the country without fear of molestation, intimidation, or harm. No one should be subjected to threats on account of political affiliation,” the statement said.
Describing Obi as a “champion of democracy, nation-building, and sustainable development,” the lawmakers highlighted his nationwide philanthropic initiatives, which they said transcend political, ethnic, and religious divides.
“Rather than being vilified, Mr. Obi deserves commendation for his commitment to human capital development and national unity. Threats to his safety represent a direct affront to democratic principles and the rule of law,” the statement added.
The caucus expressed dismay that such inflammatory rhetoric could come from a sitting governor and former senator, calling it “a poor example of leadership and a dangerous precedent in a democratic society.”
“It is bewildering that a state governor would make such reckless statements in public. If this is what is said in the open, one wonders what is being plotted behind closed doors. This kind of incitement poses a real risk to political stability,” the lawmakers said.
They also drew attention to the context in which the governor made the remarks, during the defection ceremony of Marcus Onobun, a House of Representatives member whom the governor had earlier reportedly threatened with the demolition of his home for allegedly harboring cultists.
“Now that Onobun has defected to the governor’s party, one may ask if the planned demolition will still go ahead or whether it was merely a tool of political coercion,” the caucus noted.
The lawmakers urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Governor Okpebholo to order, warning that any harm that comes to Peter Obi would have grave implications.
“The other day, it was Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State; today it is Governor Okpebholo of Edo. If the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) believes that scaremongering and political intimidation will halt the rising popularity of Mr. Obi, they are sorely mistaken,” the statement declared.
They concluded with a reminder that “ensuring the security of lives and property is a fundamental duty of government” and that Nigeria’s democracy must not be undermined by threats, intolerance, or political violence.