By Muhammad Mamman
The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the Nigerian Senate has called on Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to issue a public apology to Nigerians following controversial remarks he made about former presidential candidate Peter Obi.
During a public event on Friday, Governor Okpebholo warned Obi against visiting Edo State without obtaining prior security clearance, citing alleged unrest after the LP leader’s previous visit. The governor controversially stated:
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 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.”
In response, four LP senators—Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey, and Tony Nwoye—issued a strongly worded joint statement on Saturday, condemning the governor’s remarks as “executive rascality and abuse of office.”
“We respectfully urge the Executive Governor of Edo State to immediately withdraw his unguarded statement, which threatens Mr Peter Obi’s life, infringes upon his freedom of movement, and compromises his personal security,” the senators said. “He must also offer an unreserved apology to all Nigerians for violating the Nigerian Constitution, which he swore to uphold.”
The lawmakers referenced Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees every Nigerian citizen the right to move freely throughout the country.
“Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of Nigeria, and his constitutional right to movement should not be curtailed by executive lawlessness or arrogance,” they added. “As a statesman and advocate for democracy, nation-building, and sustainable development, Mr Obi deserves protection under the law—and support from all who share the vision for a better Nigeria.”
The senators also urged national security authorities to take the matter seriously. “We call on the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to note the veiled threat issued by Governor Okpebholo,” the statement read.
Concluding their remarks, the senators warned that Nigeria must not tolerate abuses of power by elected officials: “The Nigeria of today cannot afford to condone executive misconduct. For the sake of national peace and democratic integrity, such behaviour must be firmly addressed.”
