…….Says 21 Century Nigeria Cannot Condone ‘Executive Rascality’ – LP Senate Caucus

…….Level of Conduct, Reasoning, Delivery Displayed Is Shocking – LP Reps Tackle Governor

ABUJA: Labour Party Senate Caucus on Saturday issued a strong warning to the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over his recent threat against the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Governor Okpebholo had cautioned Obi not to visit Edo State without an express permission from him (Okpebholo), adding that Obi’s safety would not be guaranteed in such a case.

The Governor’s caution followed a recent visit by the former Anambra State governor (Obi) to St. Philomena nursing school in the state where he donated N15million to the institution.

Following this, Governor Okpebholo (APC) said: “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N1.5 million(sic)…₦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 a swift reaction to the Edo Governor’s threat, Labour Party Senate Caucus reminded him that “The Nigeria of this century cannot afford to condone executive rascality and abuse of office by public officers for the peace and harmony of this our dear Country, Nigeria.”

The caucus in a statement signed by
Senators Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey and Tony Nwoye, said, “The attention of the Labour Party Senate Caucus has been drawn to the disturbing and shocking statement of threat made by the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, openly threatening the life of Mr Peter Obi that his security will not be guaranteed if Peter Obi ever visited Edo State again without obtaining permission from the the Governor, Monday Okpebholo.

“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.

We implore and urge the Inspector General of Police and The Director General,Department of State Services to take note of this threat.”

Earlier, the LP caucus in the House of Representatives has emphasized that Mr. Peter Obi, like any other Nigerian citizen, has “the constitutional right to visit any part of the country without fear of molestation, threat to life, or harm, as guaranteed under a democratic system.”

The LP lawmakers, in a statement by their leader, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, issued in Awka, strongly rebuked Governor Okpebholo, describing his remarks as “Uncivil, unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unbecoming of a public servant in such a high office.

“Mr. Peter Obi’s philanthropic efforts nationwide embody his humanity and empathy for the people, transcending political affiliations, ethnicity, and other divides.

“Rather than being vilified or incited against, he should be commended for supporting human capital development in the nation.

“As a champion of democracy, nation-building, and sustainable development, Peter Obi deserves protection and support from all who share these values.

“Rep. Ogene further stated, ‘It’s bewildering to hear such an outrageous outburst from a state governor, particularly one with a background as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The level of conduct, reasoning, and delivery displayed is shocking, especially from a supposedly democratically elected official and chief security officer of a state.

“What manner of example do we set for the younger generation, especially as regards public conduct, civility, respect for human rights and the rule of law, as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

“How do we fight violence in the land, if as leaders we openly encourage intolerance, bigotry and anti-democratic tendencies, like the Edo State governor has publicly exhibited?

“If Governor Okpebholo could make such inflammatory remarks in a public setting, one wonders what kind of inciteful rhetoric he might be using behind closed doors against opposition party members or perceived enemies of his party.

“Politics ought not be a game of life or death. And no one deserves to be harmed on account of his or her political beliefs or association. Politics of bitterness, pettiness and violence should never be encouraged in a democracy, or by people that claim to be democrats.

“It is instructive that Governor Okpebholo uttered his infamous and satanic verses against Peter Obi at the defection ceremony of Hon. Marcus Onobun, a House of Representatives member who he had only days before threatened with the demolition of his house, for allegedly harbouring cultists.

“It would be interesting to ask Governor Okpebholo if he would still go ahead to pull down Hon. Onobun’s country home – which he had marked for demolition – now that he has forcefully coerced him into his political party?

“In fact, it is only in these climes that a governor would glibly boast about insecurity in his state, as well as lie about the death of citizens, without providing any shred of evidence.

“We, therefore, urge President Bola Tinubu to call the Edo State governor to order. And hasten to warn that no harm should come to our leader, Peter Obi, anywhere in Nigeria or beyond. The other day, it was Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state; today it is Okpebholo of Edo. If the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, thinks it can use scaremongering to halt the ever-growing popularity of Mr. Peter Obi, they better think again.

Ensuring the security of lives and property is a fundamental responsibility of government, and Nigeria should be no exception,” Rep. Ogene said.”