The Labour Party ( LP) Caucus in the Senate has slammed Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state for threatening Mr Peter Obi that his security would not be guaranteed any time he visits the state without informing him.
Governor Okpebholo issued the threat on Friday following a visit made to nursing school in the State by Peter Obi where he donated N15 million.
In its reaction to the threat, the LP caucus in the Senate comprising of Senators Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Ezea Okey (Enugu North) and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North) in a jointly signed statement on Saturday, called on Governor Okpebholo to withdraw the threat.
The caucus declared that Okpebholo’s threat runs contrary to provisions of section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides for Freedom of Movement and expression for all Nigerian citizens one of whom, is Mr Peter Obi.
“Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of Nigeria and his movement is guaranteed and should not be curtailed by sheer Executive lawlessness and impudence”, the caucus stressed.
The statenent reads, “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, Senator 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 #15 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 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”.