…Urges President Tinubu to rein in Edo Governor over “dangerous” remarks
Let it be known: any harm to Peter Obi will be viewed as a direct assault on democracy and on millions of Nigerians who believe in his vision for a better Nigeria.”
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily — The Labour Party (LP) Caucus in the House of Representatives has issued a strong condemnation of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, describing his recent remarks targeting the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as “outrageous, uncouth, and dangerously inciting.”
The caucus, led by Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently call Governor Okpebholo to order, warning that no harm must befall Obi “anywhere in Nigeria or beyond,” and describing the governor’s comments as a blatant affront to constitutional democracy.
At a public event in Edo State on Friday, July 18, Governor Okpebholo warned that Peter Obi must not enter Edo without prior “security clearance,” implying his safety could not be guaranteed otherwise. The governor referenced Obi’s recent ₦15 million donation to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, suggesting it was suspicious and alleging, without evidence, that three people were killed after Obi’s visit.
“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,” Governor Okpebholo was quoted as saying.
The LP House Caucus expressed alarm over what it described as a deliberate attempt to endanger the life of a leading opposition figure, warning that such rhetoric has no place in a democratic society.
“Mr. Peter Obi, like any other Nigerian, has the constitutional right to move freely and safely across the country,” Ogene said in a statement issued from Awka, Anambra State. “For a sitting governor to utter such inflammatory statements is not only unconstitutional but also shameful and unbecoming of a public official.”
According to the lawmakers, Obi’s consistent acts of philanthropy, such as his donation to the Faculty of Dentistry at UNTH, transcend politics and should be applauded rather than criminalised.
“Peter Obi’s philanthropic efforts reflect his values; compassion, empathy, and a deep commitment to human capital development. That he is now being vilified by those who ought to protect citizens for such acts is not only disgraceful, but also dangerous,” Ogene stated.
The statement described Governor Okpebholo’s outburst as particularly disturbing given his previous role as a senator of the Federal Republic, noting that such language could incite violence against opposition figures.
“It is bewildering that a man who once occupied a seat in the nation’s Senate could so casually threaten a citizen’s safety on political grounds. What message are we sending to the younger generation when those entrusted with public leadership display such reckless disregard for civil conduct and rule of law?” Ogene queried.
He further warned that allowing such inflammatory conduct to go unchecked could deepen political intolerance and insecurity nationwide.
“If a governor can speak this way in public, one wonders what goes on behind closed doors. How does such a person treat political opponents in private? What type of atmosphere does he create for democratic engagement?” the lawmakers asked.
The LP caucus also questioned the political motives behind Governor Okpebholo’s remarks, linking them to recent developments involving a federal lawmaker.
“It is instructive that the governor made these remarks during a defection ceremony for Hon. Marcus Onobun, a member of the House of Representatives, whom the same governor had earlier threatened with demolition of his house for allegedly hosting ‘cultists’,” the statement said. “Now that Onobun has crossed over to his party, is the threat of demolition still valid? Or was it just political blackmail?”
The lawmakers also accused the governor of irresponsibly spreading unverified claims about deaths in the state, noting that no evidence had been presented to link the alleged killings to Obi’s visit.
“It is only in Nigeria that a governor can boast publicly about violence and insecurity, then blame it on an opposition figure without offering proof. This is not leadership; it is intimidation,” they said.
The caucus expressed concern that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be using fear tactics to discredit Peter Obi’s growing popularity, citing a similar incident involving Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State.
“First it was Governor Alia in Benue, now it’s Okpebholo in Edo. If the APC believes it can halt Peter Obi’s rising influence through scare tactics and hate speech, they are gravely mistaken,” Ogene said.
The group called on President Tinubu to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to civil liberties by publicly distancing himself from such threats.
“We urge the president, as Commander-in-Chief and leader of the ruling party, to call his governors to order. The safety of every Nigerian — including Peter Obi — must not be treated with levity,” the statement read.
“Ensuring security is a fundamental obligation of any government. Democracy thrives on plurality and tolerance, not threats and repression.”
The LP caucus concluded by reiterating its unwavering support for Peter Obi and warned that any attempt to intimidate or harm him would be fiercely resisted by all lawful means.
“Let it be known: any harm to Peter Obi will be viewed as a direct assault on democracy and on millions of Nigerians who believe in his vision for a better Nigeria,” Ogene stated.