HURIWA Slams Gov Okpebholo Over Threat To Peter Obi
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo for warning Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against visiting the state without notifying the government.
In a viral video, Governor Okpebholo was seen telling supporters that Obi must seek clearance before entering Edo, claiming his safety could not be guaranteed otherwise.
Reacting, HURIWA described the statement as reckless, unconstitutional, and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“The threat against Peter Obi by the Edo State Governor is absolutely despicable, reprehensible, and absurd. It is an intolerable affront to constitutional democracy,” said HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko.
“Governors are not feudal lords or monarchs with unchecked powers over citizens’ movements. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, and no citizen—including Peter Obi—needs a governor’s approval to visit any state in the federation.”
The group warned that such statements could embolden political thugs to attack opposition leaders.
“The indirect interpretation of the words of the Edo State Governor is that political thugs may now feel empowered to attack opposition leaders. That is why Governor Okpebholo must publicly retract his words within the next 24 hours,” it said.
HURIWA dismissed the governor’s attempt to link Obi’s visits to rising crime as baseless.
“It is totally illogical for the Edo State Governor to attempt to draw a connection between Mr. Peter Obi’s visits and crime rates in the state. He provided no empirical data or verifiable evidence to support such an outrageous claim,” Onwubiko added.
Citing Chapter Four of the Nigerian Constitution, along with international treaties binding on Nigeria, HURIWA stressed that freedom of movement is a fundamental right.
“No governor or even the President of Nigeria has the legal right to restrict the movement of a citizen within the territory of Nigeria, as long as the citizen is acting within the bounds of the law,” the association said.
The group criticised the governor for what it called political intolerance and insecurity.
“It is bizarre that a governor would see Peter Obi’s philanthropic visits as a threat. When did generosity become a source of political anxiety?” Onwubiko asked.
HURIWA urged President Bola Tinubu to caution members of his party and prevent further inflammatory statements.
“We urge the President to rein in his party members who are making incendiary statements. Democracy thrives on tolerance, not threats,” it said.
The group demanded that Okpebholo publicly dissociate himself from any threat to Obi’s safety and affirm the right of all Nigerians to move freely across the country.
“Let it be said without ambiguity: Mr. Monday Okpebholo has no lawful authority to stop Peter Obi or any Nigerian from visiting Edo State. Freedom of movement is an inalienable right, and Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy, not a monarchy,” Onwubiko declared.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
