Former Labour Party campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, has sharply criticised Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State for saying that Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, cannot enter Edo without his approval.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, Okonkwo described the governor’s comments as a threat to the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens.
“What the governor said is unconstitutional, it is illegal, it is irresponsible, and it’s largely illiterate,” Okonkwo declared.
Governor Okpebholo had made the controversial remarks during a political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, where he said Obi’s previous visit to the state allegedly led to unrest and fatalities.
“This message is for the man who claims he has no ‘shishi’,” the governor had said, referencing Obi’s famous quote about modesty and transparency.
“There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”
He went further to allege that,
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N15 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.”
However, following public outcry, Governor Okpebholo later clarified on Sunday that his comments were not a threat but rather a directive regarding issues of protocol. He insisted that the remarks were misinterpreted.
Okonkwo dismissed both the governor’s original remarks and his clarification, describing the entire episode as a constitutional violation. He cited the 1999 Constitution, stressing that all Nigerian citizens are entitled to freedom of movement.
“Every citizen of Nigeria shall be entitled to move freely, freely on the land throughout Nigeria, and to reside in any part thereof,” he said.
“No citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria, or denied entry thereto, or exit therefrom.”
“If you put it into context with Edo State, it simply means no citizen of Nigeria can be expelled from Edo State, or denied entry into Edo State, or exit therefrom.”
According to Okonkwo, the governor’s position was also politically motivated. “This is a direct attack, threat, intimidation of opposition leaders,” he said.
“He’s been threatened, his life’s been threatened, that he should not step into Edo State by a governor that is underproduced, figure-challenged, panchomic, and petite, and largely illiterate, like I said.”
He warned of ethnic bias in the governor’s remarks, stating, “This is very annoying. It’s a direct threat to Igbo people. It’s a direct threat and exhibition of being an Igbo hater. And that should stop.”
Responding to concerns that Peter Obi’s philanthropic activities might attract security threats to religious institutions in the state, Okonkwo said, “That can tell you how malicious the whole intention is… Peter Obi may have his own style of doing things… But not to threaten his life.”
He rejected the argument that Obi had breached protocol or posed any threat. “Peter Obi does not pose any threat to anybody’s life. So he couldn’t have breached any protocol,” he insisted.
On comments by Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, supporting the governor’s position, Okonkwo said, “Sorry, I don’t give credence to people like that. Because they’re just seeking relevance…He’s as inconsequential as his face looks.”
Okonkwo also acknowledged that legal remedies were limited due to the constitutional immunity governors enjoy while in office.
“Part of the reason I got very upset… is because I understood that this man has immunity and there is a limitation to what you can do,” he said.
“It’s a criminal offence, no doubt, to threaten the life of any citizen. Well, unfortunately, he is enjoying immunity and there is little we can do about it.”
When asked whether the repeated incidents targeting Obi could signal growing political momentum, Okonkwo disagreed.
“What it shows is that they believe that they can assault and insult Peter Obi and get away with it,” he said. “That is why I say my brother should step up…
“If anybody gives you one, give the person ten, especially when he’s a sitting governor, because he doesn’t have any other remedy whatsoever.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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