The recent statement by Edo State Governor, Mr Monday Okpebholo, captured in a now-viral video, warning that Mr Peter Obi must not enter Edo State without his permission, and further threatening that Obi’s security would not be guaranteed if he does, marks a dangerous low in Nigeria’s political discourse. This is not a matter of speculation or hearsay; it is a verified and deeply alarming threat.
Such utterances are not only reckless but reek of political rascality. They represent a direct assault on Nigeria’s constitutional order, particularly the guaranteed right of every citizen to freedom of movement. For a sitting governor to declare that a prominent political figure like Peter Obi must seek permission to enter any part of the country is not only unlawful, but dictatorial in tone and spirit.
Even more concerning is the implication that Obi could face harm should he defy this “order”. This is a blatant incitement to violence, an open invitation to political thugs and miscreants to act with impunity. It creates a climate of fear and hostility that undermines the peace and civility essential for democratic engagement.
This troubling pattern, which first reared its head in Benue and has now appeared in Edo, must be condemned unequivocally. It sets a precedent that, if unchecked, could endanger the fabric of our democracy.
Governor Okpebholo must be held to account for his words. Political leaders should not only uphold the law but also model the kind of tolerance and maturity needed to build a peaceful, democratic nation. Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, no governor has the authority to turn their state into a personal territory where political opponents are declared unwelcome.
We must nip this trend in the bud before it festers further. The federal government, security agencies, and civil society must act decisively to ensure that our democracy is not hijacked by threats, intimidation, and crude power plays.
