The Labour Party caucus in the Senate has requested that Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State issue an apology to Nigerians regarding a statement in which he suggested that Peter Obi should obtain clearance from him prior to visiting the state.
In a collective statement endorsed by Senators Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey, and Tony Nwoye, the legislators characterized Okpebholo’s comment as “executive rascality and abuse of office.”
“We respectfully call upon the Executive Governor of Edo State to promptly retract his reckless statement that threatens Mr. Peter Obi’s life, freedom of movement, and personal safety, and to offer a sincere apology to all Nigerians for contravening the Nigerian Constitution, which he pledged to uphold,” the statement released on Saturday partially stated.
On Friday, Okpebholo had cautioned Obi at a public gathering against visiting Edo State without prior security clearance. The governor asserted that there had been violence in the region following the LP presidential candidate’s previous visit.
“That individual who claims he has no ‘shishi’ came and deposited N15 million. Where did he acquire it? After his departure, three individuals were killed,” the Edo governor remarked, a comment that incited significant backlash. “For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.”
Nevertheless, the LP lawmakers contended that every Nigerian has the right to travel freely across the nation, referencing Section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.
“Mr. Peter Obi is a Nigerian citizen, and his movement is protected and should not be restricted by mere Executive lawlessness and arrogance,” the senators asserted.
“As a proponent of democracy, nation-building, and sustainable development, Mr. Peter Obi is entitled to protection and support from the law and from all who aspire for a better Nigeria.”
They urged, “the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services to take note of this threat.
“The Nigeria of this century cannot afford to tolerate executive rascality and abuse of office by public officials for the sake of peace and harmony.”
