The Senate caucus of the Labour Party (LP) on Saturday, faulted Governor Monday Okpebholo’s warning against the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Mr Peter Obi.
The LP Senators also asked him to apologise to Nigerians for allegedly violating the constitution which he swore to uphold on assumption of office.
Their demand was contained in a statement by the remaining four LP Senators in the 10th Senate, including Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Ezea Okey and Senator Tony Nwoye, in Abuja.
The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Labour Party Senate Caucus has been drawn to the disturbing and shocking statement of threat made by the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo openly threatening the life of Mr Peter Obi that his security will not be guaranteed if Peter Obi ever visited Edo State again without obtaining permission from the the Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
“Mr Peter Obi’s only “sin” was his recent visit to Edo State and donating N15 million to a nursing school in Edo State. We wish to remind the Executive Governor of Edo State that section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, provides for Freedom of Movement and expression for all Nigerian citizens.
“Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of Nigeria and his movement is guaranteed and should not be curtailed by sheer Executive lawlessness and impudence. As a champion of democracy, nation-building and sustainable development, Mr Peter Obi deserves protection and support from the law and all who share the vision for a better Nigeria.
“We humbly urge the Executive Governor of Edo State to quickly withdraw this his unguarded statement threatening Mr Peter Obi’s life, freedom of movement and personal security and tender an unreserved apology to all Nigerians for violating the Nigerian Constitution which he swore to uphold. We implore and urge the Inspector General of Police and the Director General, Department of State Services to take note of this threat.
“The Nigeria of this century cannot afford to condone executive rascality and abuse of office by public officers for the peace and harmony of this our dear Country, Nigeria.”
