The Labour Party(LP) Caucus in the Senate has condemned the threat made by the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo on the life of Peter Obi, the 2023 standard bearer of the party in the 2023 presidential election, describing the action as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution. Okpebholo had in a viral video openly threatened the life of Obi and declared that his security will not be guaranteed if he (Obi) ever visited Edo State again without obtaining
permission from him, the Governor of the state. The threat came on the heels of Obi’s recent visit to Edo State during which he donated the sum of N15 million to a School of Nursing in Edo State. In a statement jointly signed by Senators Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey and Tony Nwoye, the LP Caucus
described the threat as “disturbing and shocking” and urged the Inspector General of Police and the Director General, Department of State Services to take note of this development. Nigeria, the Caucus said, cannot afford to condone executive rascality and abuse of office by public officers who swore by the Constitution to promote the peace and harmony of the country.
“We wish to remind the Executive Governor of Edo State that section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, provides for Freedom of Movement and expression for all Nigerian citizens. Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of Nigeria and his movement is guaranteed and should not be curtailed by sheer Executive lawlessness and impudence.
“As a champion of democracy, nation-building and sustainable development, Mr Peter Obi deserves protection and support from the law and all who share the vision for a better Nigeria. “We humbly urge the Executive Governor of Edo State to quickly withdraw this his unguarded statement threatening Mr Peter Obi’s life, freedom of movement and personal security and tender an unreserved apology to all Nigerians for violating the Nigerian Constitution which he swore to uphold,” the statement read.
