‘Executive Rascality’: LP Senators Blasts Okpebholo Over Threat to Peter Obi

The Labour Party (LP) Senate caucus has strongly condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State for his recent threat against Peter Obi, demanding an immediate withdrawal of his remarks and a public apology to all Nigerians.

Governor Okpebholo had on Friday warned that Peter Obi, LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, must not enter Edo State without first obtaining security clearance.

He made the statement during a public event, claiming Obi’s previous visit led to violence, including the killing of three individuals.

“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,” the governor alleged. “For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.”

However, in a joint statement issued on Saturday, LP Senators Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Tony Nwoye, and Ezea Okey described the governor’s statement as “executive rascality and abuse of office.”

They said the remarks not only violated Peter Obi’s constitutional rights but also amounted to a threat against his life and personal liberty.

“We humbly urge the Executive Governor of Edo State to quickly withdraw his unguarded statement threatening Mr Peter Obi’s life, freedom of movement, and personal security,” the senators said.

“He must tender an unreserved apology to all Nigerians for violating the Nigerian Constitution, which he swore to uphold.”

The lawmakers cited Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees every Nigerian the right to move freely throughout the country.

They stressed that Obi, as a respected figure in Nigeria’s democratic space, deserves both protection and support.

“Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of Nigeria, and his movement is guaranteed. It should not be curtailed by sheer executive lawlessness and impudence,” they stated.

“As a champion of democracy, nation-building, and sustainable development, Mr Obi deserves to be treated with dignity, not threats.”

The senators also urged the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the governor’s comment, which they described as dangerous and unconstitutional.

According to the LP lawmakers, the current state of Nigeria’s democracy does not have room for “executive recklessness” and must not allow public officers to abuse their positions for political intimidation.

They concluded by warning that continued impunity at the state level poses a serious threat to peace, democracy, and national unity.

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