Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana, on Sunday, called on the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, to withdraw the threats to the life of 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Speaking in Uromi, headquarters of Esan North East Local Government Area, during the defection of Marcus Onobun from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Okpebholo declared that Obi’s security would not be guaranteed if he enters the state without informing him or obtaining security clearance.
Governor Okpebholo also noted that Obi’s security will not be guaranteed if anything happens to him in the state.
Reacting to the remark in the statement issued by Falana, the lawyer noted that the threat to the life of Peter Obi constitutes a violation of Section 33 of the Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples (Ratification and Enforcement), which guarantees the fundamental right of every citizen to life.
“In view of Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which stipulates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, Governor Okpebholo should withdraw the threat, apologise publicly to Mr. Peter Obi and assure him of the safety of his life in Edo State.
“However, if Governor Okpebholo does not withdraw the illegal threat because of sheer arrogance of raw power, Mr. Peter Obi should proceed to file an application in the Benin Judicial Division of the Federal High Court to secure the enforcement of his fundamental right to life.
“Mr. Obi should act with utmost urgency in view of the prevalence of mob justice and other forms of extrajudicial killings in the country,” he said.
Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) Senators have called on the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, to apologise to Nigerians over a remark in which he asked his 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to get clearance from him before visiting the state.
In a joint statement signed by Senators Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey, and Tony Nwoye, the LP lawmakers described Okpebholo’s remark as executive rascality and abuse of office.
The LP lawmakers said every Nigerian is free to move around the country, citing Section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.
They, however, called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), to take note of this threat.
The statement reads, “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.
“Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of Nigeria, and his movement is guaranteed and should not be curtailed by sheer Executive lawlessness and impudence.”
“As a champion of democracy, nation-building and sustainable development, Mr Peter Obi deserves protection and support from the law and all who share the vision for a better Nigeria.”
“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. ”
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government, through a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, addressed recent misunderstandings surrounding Governor Monday Okpebholo’s remarks about the visit of Peter Obi to the state. It clarified that the Governor’s comments were misinterpreted and not intended as a threat. Rather, they underscored the importance of high-profile individuals, particularly those in politically sensitive positions of informing the state authorities and obtaining security clearance before attending public engagements.
As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, the Governor has a constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of both residents and visitors. This includes coordinating appropriate security arrangements for events that may draw large crowds or media attention. When such procedures are overlooked, it can expose both the visitor and citizens to avoidable security risks.
