A statement attributed to the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has elicited a reaction from the Obidient Movement.
The Movement expressed concern over a trending video, where Okpebholo is seen warning a former Presidential Candidate under the Labour Party, Peter Obi, that his safety won’t be guaranteed if he sets foot in Edo State again without notifying him.
Director, Strategic Communications, Nana Kazuare of the Obidient Movement, described the alleged threat as “alarming”, adding that a governor who swore to uphold the constitution of Nigeria “could descend so low as to utter such threats.”
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Kazaure said, “For the avoidance of doubt, 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.
“It is, therefore, unconstitutional, dangerous, and indefensible for a sitting governor to attempt to restrict this fundamental right or issue threats to a former governor and presidential candidate.
Recall that the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, issued the same threat to Obi when he visited the state for a humanitarian visit.
Kazaure added, “In both cases, Mr. Obi was engaging in missions of goodwill and charity, providing support to citizens often neglected by their state governments. These threats reveal a disturbing pattern of intolerance, insecurity, and political pettiness.
The Obidient Movement warned that “should any harm befall Mr Peter Obi, Nigerians will know where to look,” “Governors are Chief Security Officers of their states, and their words carry consequences – not just politically, but in the safety and well-being of citizens”, he added.
“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society groups, and the international community to condemn this descent into political hostility. Nigeria belongs to us all.
“No politician, no matter how highly placed, should be allowed to weaponise their office or incite division and fear through reckless and unlawful rhetoric,” he concluded.
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