Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has condemned the recent threat made by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, against the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi.
Speaking on Sunday, Falana urged Governor Okpebholo to immediately retract his statement, which he described as unconstitutional and a veiled death threat. He emphasized that no Nigerian citizen, including Mr. Obi, requires a governor’s permission to visit any part of the country.
The governor, during a recent political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, had publicly warned that Peter Obi must not enter the state without prior notification or obtaining a security clearance.
The comment has since sparked outrage, with many Nigerians criticizing it as an abuse of power and a threat to democratic values.
Falana, a staunch advocate of civil liberties, insisted that such remarks undermine the rule of law and the fundamental rights to freedom of movement and association as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
“This is not a military dictatorship. Peter Obi, like every other Nigerian, has the right to move freely within the country without seeking permission from any state governor,” Falana stated.
He called on the Nigerian Police and relevant authorities to caution Governor Okpebholo and ensure that elected officials do not misuse their positions to intimidate political opponents.
The Labour Party and supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as “Obidients,” have also condemned the governor’s statement, demanding an immediate apology and assurance of safety for their presidential candidate ahead of his planned visit to Edo State.
