Threat to Peter Obi: You're not showing good example, LP House of Reps caucus tells Edo gov

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By Madu Obi

The Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned the recent open threat to the life and security of Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, by the Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, saying the governor is not showing a good example.

Governor Okpebholo had, during an event in his state on Friday, urged Peter Obi not to visit Edo State without prior permission and security clearance, warning that his safety cannot be guaranteedif his warning is ignored.

The governor's warning followed a visit by Obi to an institution in the state, during which he donated N15 million on the occasion.

But describing the action as outrageous, shocking, uncouth and disappointing, the LP caucus emphasized that Mr. Peter Obi, like any other Nigerian citizen, has the constitutional right to visit any part of the country without fear of molestation, threat to life, or harm, as guaranteed under a democratic system.

In a statement by its leader, Hon. Afam Ogene, the LP caucus strongly rebuked Governor Okpebholo, urging President Bola Tinubu to call him to order.

According to Ogene, the governor's remarks were "uncivil, unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unbecoming of a public servant in such a high office".

He said: "Mr. Peter Obi's philanthropic efforts nationwide embody his humanity and empathy for the people, transcending political affiliations, ethnicity, and other divides.

Rather than being vilified or incited against, he should be commended for supporting human capital development in the nation. As a champion of democracy, nation-building, and sustainable development, Peter Obi deserves protection and support from all who share these values.

It is bewildering to hear such an outrageous outburst from a state governor, particularly one with a background as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The level of conduct, reasoning, and delivery displayed is shocking, especially from a supposedly democratically elected official and chief security officer of a state."

He asked: "What manner of example do we set for the younger generation, especially as regards public conduct, civility, respect for human rights and the rule of law, as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

How do we fight violence in the land, if as leaders we openly encourage intolerance, bigotry and anti-democratic tendencies, like the Edo State governor has publicly exhibited?"

Speaking further, Ogene added: "If Governor Okpebholo could make such inflammatory remarks in a public setting, one wonders what kind of inciting rhetoric he might be using behind closed doors against opposition party members or perceived enemies of his party.

Politics ought not be a game of life or death. And no one deserves to be harmed on account of his or her political beliefs or association. Politics of bitterness, pettiness and violence should never be encouraged in a democracy, or by people that claim to be democrats.

It is instructive that Governor Okpebholo uttered his infamous and satanic verses against Peter Obi at the defection ceremony of Hon. Marcus Onobun, a House of Representatives member who he had only days before threatened with the demolition of his house, for allegedly harbouring cultists.

It would be interesting to ask Governor Okpebholo if he would still go ahead to pull down Hon. Onobun's country home - which he had marked for demolition - now that he has forcefully coerced him into his political party.

In fact, it is only in these climes that a governor would glibly boast about insecurity in his state, as well as lie about the death of citizens, without providing any shred of evidence.

We, therefore, urge President Bola Tinubu to call the Edo State governor to order. And we hasten to warn that no harm should come to our leader, Peter Obi, anywhere in Nigeria or beyond."

He recalled a similar comment by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State during Peter Obi's visit to the state, stressing that "if the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, thinks it can use scaremongering to halt the ever-growing popularity of Mr. Peter Obi, they better think again."

He argued that ensuring the security of lives and property is a fundamental responsibility of government, adding that Nigeria should not be an exception.