The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the Nigerian Senate has strongly condemned the recent comments made by the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, regarding Peter Obi, the LP’s 2023 presidential candidate.
The caucus has called on the governor to publicly apologise to all Nigerians for what they described as a violation of constitutional rights and an abuse of office.
In a joint statement released on Saturday and signed by Senators Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey, and Tony Nwoye, the lawmakers referred to Governor Okpebholo’s remarks as “executive rascality” and a blatant display of unconstitutional behavior.
The controversy began when Governor Okpebholo, speaking at a public event on Friday, stated that Peter Obi must not visit Edo State without obtaining security clearance. According to Okpebholo, Obi’s previous visit to the state had allegedly incited violence, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The governor also made an unverified claim that Obi, who is known for his modest lifestyle, dropped N15 million during the visit.
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed,” the governor alleged. “For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.”
These statements sparked immediate backlash, especially from Labour Party senators, who deemed the governor’s remarks as a veiled threat to Obi’s safety and a dangerous precedent for political discourse.
“We humbly urge the Executive Governor of Edo State to quickly withdraw his unguarded statement threatening Mr. Peter Obi’s life, freedom of movement, and personal security and tender an unreserved apology to all Nigerians for violating the Nigerian Constitution, which he swore to uphold,” the LP senators demanded.
Citing Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the lawmakers emphasized that every Nigerian citizen, including Peter Obi, has the fundamental right to move freely within the country without restrictions based on political affiliation or executive whims.
“Mr. Peter Obi is a citizen of Nigeria, and his movement is guaranteed and should not be curtailed by sheer executive lawlessness and impudence,” they said.
The caucus further emphasized that Peter Obi, as a leading figure advocating for democracy, national unity, and sustainable development, deserves to be protected under the law and supported by all who believe in a better Nigeria.
They also called on security agencies to take the matter seriously:
“We call on the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to take note of this threat.”
Concluding their statement, the senators warned against tolerating executive misconduct, saying:
“The Nigeria of this century cannot afford to condone executive rascality and abuse of office by public officers for the peace and harmony of our dear country, Nigeria.”
The Labour Party’s response marks a growing tension between state-level authorities and federal lawmakers over the protection of civil liberties and political freedoms in the country.
