The Obidient Movement has issued a strong warning on Saturday, stating that Governor Okpebholo of Edo State should be held accountable if any harm comes to former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
This statement comes in response to a viral video in which Governor Okpebholo allegedly threatened that Peter Obi should not enter Edo State without prior notification. The governor also linked Obi’s visits to a spike in violent incidents across the state and suggested that the former presidential candidate’s safety could not be guaranteed.
Reacting to these remarks, prominent Obidient Movement figure, Kazaure, condemned the threats in a formal statement she personally signed. She emphasized that Governor Okpebholo’s stance violates a fundamental constitutional right.
“Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees the right of every Nigerian citizen to move freely and reside in any part of the country,” the statement read. “It is therefore disturbing and constitutionally indefensible for Governor Okpebholo to threaten or seek to restrict this fundamental right.”
The group expressed concern that this threat reflects a disturbing trend of hostility towards Peter Obi, referencing a previous incident involving the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, who also made controversial statements about Obi’s presence in his state.
“This is not an isolated incident,” the group stated. “We recall a similar threat previously issued by the Governor of Benue State against the person of His Excellency Mr. Obi.”
Highlighting the nature of Obi’s visits, the movement emphasized that he has consistently undertaken humanitarian missions, offering aid and moral support to citizens who have been neglected by the very governors now issuing threats against him.
“These visits are missions of goodwill and charity,” the group noted, “aimed at providing support to communities underserved or abandoned by their own leadership.”
The Obidient Movement called on Nigerians, as well as international observers, not to take the threats lightly.
“Should anything untoward happen to His Excellency Peter Obi, Nigerians should know where to look,” the statement warned. “These governors are the chief security officers of their respective states, and their utterances carry weight—not just in words, but in potential consequences.”
In a final appeal, the group urged all Nigerians to denounce political intolerance and dangerous rhetoric that could spark unrest.
“We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against this descent into political intolerance and recklessness. Nigeria belongs to all of us,” the movement said. “No individual, no matter how highly placed, should attempt to fan the embers of division or incite violence with careless, unlawful rhetoric.”
