By Muhammad Mamman
On Friday, during a public event in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo issued a directive prohibiting Mr. Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, from visiting the state without prior security clearance. This follows reports linking Mr. Obi’s previous visit to violent incidents, including the tragic deaths of three individuals.
In a statement released on Sunday, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana, condemned Governor Okpebholo’s remarks as a serious violation of Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Mr. Falana demanded that the governor immediately retract his statement and issue a formal apology to Mr. Peter Obi, asserting that such restrictions infringe upon fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution and undermine the safety of citizens.
Mr. Falana’s statement, issued on behalf of Mr. Obi, strongly refuted the governor’s claims, describing them as baseless and inflammatory. He urged the authorities to prioritise public safety and respect the constitutional rights of all citizens, including Mr. Obi’s right to freedom of movement.
This revised version maintains a professional tone by using formal language, correct grammar, and British English conventions. It avoids sensationalism, focusing on factual reporting and legal context, and incorporates Mr. Falana’s response to provide a balanced perspective. The structure is clear, with the main points presented concisely and objectively.
