The Labour Party (LP) Caucus in the House of Representatives has strongly condemned what it described as an open threat to the life and security of its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, allegedly issued by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The LP lawmakers expressed outrage and disappointment over the governor’s comments, describing them as “outrageous, shocking, uncouth, and deeply unbecoming of a public official, especially one occupying the high office of a state governor.”
Leader of the LP Caucus, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, in a statement issued to journalists in Awka, Anambra State, recalled that Governor Okpebholo had, during a public event held on Friday, July 18, openly warned Mr. Obi against visiting Edo State without prior notification and clearance.
A viral video of the governor’s remarks, seen by IREPORT247NEWS, captured Okpebholo declaring, “Obi’s security will never be guaranteed if he comes to Edo without informing me.
See video
“That man who claims he has no ‘shishi’ came here and dropped N15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.”
The caucus condemned the statements as both inciteful and irresponsible, particularly coming from someone who, by constitutional responsibility, serves as the chief security officer of his state. The lawmakers described the comments as “uncivil, unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a gross abuse of public trust.”
Ogene expressed shock that a sitting governor and former senator of the Federal Republic could make such “reckless and inflammatory remarks” in public. “It is bewildering to hear such utterances from a leader expected to uphold democratic principles and safeguard the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations,” he stated.
He further questioned the example such conduct sets for the youth and the general public, querying: “What sort of precedence are we establishing for younger generations regarding civility, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law, all of which are guaranteed by our constitution? How do we hope to combat violence and political intolerance if leaders themselves openly encourage such tendencies?”
The LP caucus highlighted that Mr. Peter Obi, like every other Nigerian, enjoys the constitutional right to move freely and engage with citizens across the country without fear of intimidation, molestation, or harm.
“Under a democratic dispensation, no Nigerian citizen should be subjected to threats simply for exercising their right to free movement and association,” the caucus emphasized.
Additionally, Ogene expressed concern over the kind of rhetoric Governor Okpebholo might employ behind closed doors if he could make such threats publicly.
He warned that politics should never be reduced to a life-and-death affair or be driven by bitterness, pettiness, and violence. “If the governor can speak this way in public, one wonders what he says and does in private against opposition members or those he perceives as political adversaries,” Ogene stated.
The caucus also drew attention to the context in which Okpebholo made the comments — during a defection ceremony for Hon. Marcus Onobun, a member of the House of Representatives.
It was recalled that Okpebholo had previously threatened to demolish Onobun’s house, accusing him of harbouring cultists.
“Now that Onobun has been coerced into joining his political party, will the governor still proceed with the demolition of his home, which he had marked for destruction?” the LP caucus questioned, pointing out the apparent use of state power for political intimidation.
They further criticized Okpebholo for allegedly lying about the death of citizens in the state following Obi’s purported visit, noting that he failed to present any evidence to support his claims.
“It is only in a place like Nigeria that a governor would casually boast about insecurity in his domain, without any sense of responsibility or accountability,” the caucus lamented.
Moreover, the LP caucus reminded the federal government, particularly President Bola Tinubu, of its duty to ensure the safety of all citizens.
They urged the President to caution Governor Okpebholo against making further inflammatory remarks and warned that any harm to Peter Obi, anywhere within Nigeria or abroad, would be unacceptable.
“Only recently, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State made similar utterances, and now it is Okpebholo of Edo State. If the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) believes that threats and scaremongering can dampen the soaring popularity of Peter Obi, they are grossly mistaken,” the statement warned.
The lawmakers concluded by reiterating that the protection of lives and property remains a cardinal responsibility of any responsible government.
“Nigeria must not be an exception. Democracy thrives on respect for human rights, civility, and rule of law — values that should be embraced by all, especially those in leadership positions,” the statement added.