By Muhammad Mamman
The Leadership & Accountability Initiative, a civil society organisation, has formally requested that the UK and US embassies impose a visa ban on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his family. The petition, dated 21 July, is titled “Petition for Visa Ban on Senator Monday Okpebholo and His Family Over Threats to Democratic Opposition Figure.” It accuses the governor of issuing a severe threat to Peter Obi, a prominent Nigerian political figure and former presidential candidate, thereby undermining democratic stability.
The petition highlights a statement by Governor Okpebholo, who warned Mr Obi against visiting Edo State, claiming it could endanger his safety. The governor reportedly said, “Whatever he sees, he should take.” The group condemned this as “state-sanctioned intimidation, abuse of office, and a dangerous assault on democratic space,” arguing it violates Mr Obi’s constitutional rights to freedom of movement and political participation.
The petition also referenced a similar incident involving Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, who allegedly barred Mr Obi from entering Benue for political reasons. The group described this as part of an “orchestrated attempt to isolate, silence, and possibly endanger” Mr Obi, posing a broader threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on Mr Obi to take legal action against Governor Okpebholo if he does not retract the threat and apologise. However, the governor has defended his statement, citing heightened insecurity in Edo State and referencing Mr Obi’s 2013 arrest of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai as justification.
The group’s petition urges the UK and US to act swiftly to address this threat to democratic principles and ensure accountability.
