The Labour Party Senate Caucus has raised alarm over what it describes as a direct threat to the life of Peter Obi, a former Anambra State Governor and party stalwart, by Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday and signed by four Labour Party Senators — Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Ezea Okey (Enugu North), and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), the caucus condemned the alleged remarks made by Governor Okpebholo, in which he reportedly said that Obi’s security would not be guaranteed should he visit Edo State again without prior approval.
Obi had recently visited Edo State, where he donated ₦15 million to a nursing school a gesture the caucus described as “noble and patriotic.”
The senators expressed dismay that such an act would be met with hostility rather than commendation.
“We wish to remind the Executive Governor of Edo State that section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, provides for freedom of movement and expression for all Nigerian citizens,” the statement read.
“Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of Nigeria, and his movement is guaranteed and should not be curtailed by sheer executive lawlessness and impudence,” the senators added.
Describing Obi as a “champion of democracy, nation-building and sustainable development,” the lawmakers insisted he deserves not only the protection of the law but support from all patriotic Nigerians.
They urged Governor Okpebholo to “withdraw this unguarded statement threatening Mr Peter Obi’s life, freedom of movement and personal security” and issue “an unreserved apology to all Nigerians for violating the Nigerian Constitution which he swore to uphold.”
The senators also called on the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to take note of the threat, warning that “the Nigeria of this century cannot afford to condone executive rascality and abuse of office by public officers.”
