Kenneth Okonkwo, former Labour Party campaign spokesperson, has sharply criticized Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for asserting that former presidential candidate Peter Obi cannot enter Edo State without his approval.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Monday, Okonkwo described the governor’s remarks 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.
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Governor Okpebholo had made the controversial statements at a political rally in Uromi, where he linked Obi’s previous visit to alleged unrest and fatalities.
Referencing Obi’s well-known quote about modesty, the governor stated, “This message is for the man who claims he has no ‘shishi’… 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.”
Okpebholo further alleged, “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.”
Following public outcry, Governor Okpebholo later clarified on Sunday that his comments were not a threat but rather a directive regarding protocol, insisting his remarks were misinterpreted.
Okonkwo, however, dismissed both the governor’s initial remarks and his subsequent clarification as a constitutional violation.
He cited the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing that all Nigerian citizens are guaranteed freedom of movement throughout Nigeria, with no citizen to be expelled from or denied entry into any part of the country.
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According to Okonkwo, the governor’s stance was also politically motivated, calling it “a direct attack, threat, intimidation of opposition leaders.”
He described the governor as “underproduced, figure-challenged, panchomic, and petite, and largely illiterate.”
He also warned of ethnic bias, 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 Obi’s philanthropic activities might pose security threats to religious institutions, Okonkwo countered, “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 firmly rejected arguments that Obi had breached protocol or posed any threat, asserting, “Peter Obi does not pose any threat to anybody’s life. So he couldn’t have breached any protocol.”
Okonkwo also dismissed the Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe’s, support for the governor, calling him “inconsequential.”
He acknowledged the limited legal remedies available due to the constitutional immunity governors enjoy while in office. “It’s a criminal offense, no doubt, to threaten the life of any citizen. Well, unfortunately, he is enjoying immunity and there is little we can do about it,” he lamented.
When asked if the repeated incidents targeting Obi signaled growing political momentum, Okonkwo disagreed, suggesting instead that it shows those in power “believe that they can assault and insult Peter Obi and get away with it.” He urged Obi to “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.”
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