Rights Group Insists Okpebholo Must Apologise For Threatening Obi

Human rights advocacy group, Global Rights, has condemned Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo over a controversial statement directed at former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, demanding an immediate public apology and a formal investigation.

Governor Okpebholo had reportedly declared during a political rally on Friday, July 18, that Peter Obi must obtain “clearance” from him before visiting Edo State, a comment Global Rights described as “inciteful, unconstitutional, and dangerous.”

In a statement signed by Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights, the group warned that such remarks posed a threat to national cohesion and democratic integrity.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo must issue a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi and his supporters and withdraw his unconstitutional and inflammatory statement,” Baiyewu stated.

“The governor’s political party and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum should publicly condemn his remarks and call on him to apologise. The dignity of public office demands accountability, not silence.”

Baiyewu further criticised the timing of the governor’s statement, noting that it came at a delicate moment when the nation was mourning the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“At a time when the country is reflecting on the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and leaders should be contemplating the legacy they will leave behind, the Governor’s words stand out as an example of poor judgment and disregard for democratic norms.”

The group described the governor’s declaration as not only legally baseless but potentially inciteful and dangerous.

“Let us be clear,” Baiyewu said. “No Governor in Nigeria has the constitutional authority to restrict the movement of a Nigerian citizen within the country. Mr. Obi, like any Nigerian, is protected by Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to move freely throughout Nigeria and reside in any part thereof.”

Global Rights also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the governor’s comments, invoking Section 92(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits political speech that incites violence or exploits ethnic, religious or regional tensions.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission must launch a fair and transparent investigation into this matter,” the statement read. “Such inciteful rhetoric should never be swept under the carpet.”

The group said Governor Okpebholo’s comments carried “a veiled threat of violence” and warned of grave implications should any harm come to Obi or his supporters.

“If any harm were to come to Mr. Obi or his supporters, the source of the threat would be clear,” Baiyewu stressed.

“Such statements must never be excused. Leaders must be careful with their words at all times because careless speech can incite violence, and in a fragile democracy like Nigeria, it can cause real harm.”

Global Rights also expressed dismay at the silence of key political stakeholders and civil society leaders.

“It is disappointing that many influential voices have chosen silence, prioritising partisan loyalty over principle,” Baiyewu said.

“Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive without respect for fundamental freedoms. Every leader must rise to that responsibility.”

Rights Group Insists Okpebholo Must Apologise For Threatening Obi is first published on The Whistler Newspaper