Kenneth Okonkwo has strongly criticized Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo following the governor’s controversial statement that Peter Obi should obtain security clearance before entering Edo State.
Okpebholo’s remarks have stirred public debate and faced backlash from various quarters.
Speaking on Arise TV’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Monday, Okonkwo referenced the Nigerian Constitution to challenge the governor’s position. “Let me state what Section 41 says clearly. That every citizen of Nigeria shall be entitled to move freely (FREELY underlined) throughout Nigeria, and to reside in any part thereof,” Okonkwo emphasized.
He continued, “If you put it into context with Edo State, it simply means no citizen of Nigeria can be expelled from Edo State or denied entry into Edo State, or exit therefrom. And every citizen of Nigeria has the right to move freely in Edo State.”
Okonkwo concluded by branding Governor Okpebholo’s comments as “unconstitutional, illegal, irresponsible, and largely illiterate,” asserting that such declarations contradict the fundamental rights guaranteed to Nigerian citizens by the Constitution.
