The Labour Party Caucus in the Senate has taken a swipe at Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over his threat to the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, warning him not to enter Edo State.
The caucus has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, to take note of the threat.
In a statement signed on Thursday by Senators Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey, and Tony Nwoye, the caucus reminded Governor Okpebholo that Section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), guarantees freedom of movement and expression for all Nigerian citizens. They emphasized that Peter Obi is a Nigerian citizen whose constitutionally guaranteed right to movement must not be curtailed by what they described as “executive lawlessness and impudence.”
The statement reads:
“The attention of the Labour Party Senate Caucus has been drawn to the disturbing and shocking statement made by the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, openly threatening the life of Mr. Peter Obi by stating that his security would not be guaranteed if he ever visited Edo State again without obtaining permission from the governor. Mr. Peter Obi’s only ‘offense’ was his recent visit to Edo State, during which he donated ₦15 million to a nursing school.”
“We wish to remind the Executive Governor of Edo State that Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides for freedom of movement and expression for all Nigerian citizens. Mr. Peter Obi is a Nigerian citizen, and his freedom of movement is guaranteed and must not be curtailed by sheer executive lawlessness and impudence.”
“As a champion of democracy, nation-building, and sustainable development, Mr. Peter Obi deserves protection and support from the law and from all who share a vision for a better Nigeria.”
“We strongly urge the Executive Governor of Edo State to immediately withdraw this unguarded statement threatening Mr. Peter Obi’s life, freedom of movement, and personal security, and to tender an unreserved apology to all Nigerians for violating the Constitution which he swore to uphold.”
“We implore and urge the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services to take note of this threat.”
“Nigeria in this century cannot afford to condone executive rascality and abuse of office by public officials. The peace and harmony of our dear country must be preserved.”
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