Atiku Warns Okpebholo For Threatening Peter Obi
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned recent threats directed at his former running mate and Labour Party presidential flagbearer, Mr. Peter Obi.
In a brief but pointed message posted on his verified X account on Tuesday, Atiku stated, “Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against ALL of us!”
Atiku’s reaction follows controversial remarks made by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who warned Peter Obi not to visit the state without prior security clearance.
Speaking during a political engagement over the weekend, Governor Okpebholo accused Obi of causing unrest during a previous visit to Edo State, during which the Labour Party leader donated N15 million to a nursing school.
“The last time Peter Obi came to Edo State, he did not notify the government. His visit led to disturbances in Benin City, and some people lost their lives,” the governor said.
“Henceforth, nobody, not even Peter Obi, should come into Edo without proper clearance. We will not allow a repeat of that situation.”
The remarks quickly went viral and were met with widespread outrage from political actors, rights organisations, and members of the public who viewed them as inflammatory and unconstitutional.
Responding to the governor’s comments, prominent human rights group, Global Rights, condemned the statement and demanded a public apology.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Abiodun Baiyewu, the group said, “Governor Okpebholo’s comments are dangerous and capable of inciting violence.
“The right to freedom of movement is guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution. No governor has the authority to threaten or restrict the movement of any Nigerian citizen based on political differences.”
The group also called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to publicly distance themselves from Okpebholo’s remarks.
The Labour Party also weighed in on the matter, describing the governor’s comments as “reckless and dictatorial”.
“Governor Okpebholo should be reminded that Peter Obi remains a citizen of Nigeria and does not require clearance to visit any part of the country.
“These statements are unbecoming of a state chief executive,” the party’s spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, said.
Atiku Warns Okpebholo For Threatening Peter Obi is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
