Tensions are rising within Nigeria’s political space as former Senate Minority Leader Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has accused Edo State Governor, Senator Godwin Obaseki, of issuing unconstitutional threats against former presidential candidate Peter Obi. Abaribe described the governor’s alleged action as not only unlawful but also a dangerous precedent that undermines Nigeria’s democracy.
In a strongly worded statement released in Abuja on Wednesday through his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, Abaribe, who also chairs the South East Senate Caucus, condemned Governor Okpebholo’s reported decision to place movement restrictions on the former Labour Party flagbearer.
“It is very unfortunate that it seems our dear country is fast descending to lawlessness with this mindset, and I pray that nothing happens to Mr Peter Obi,” Abaribe warned.
He emphasized that the governor had no constitutional right to bar any Nigerian citizen from visiting or moving freely within Edo State.
“Nigeria is still a constitutional democracy where the rights of everyone, particularly citizens of Nigeria, are guaranteed,” Abaribe stated.
He expressed concern that leaders entrusted with upholding the 1999 Constitution (as amended) are now acting in direct contradiction to its core principles.
“It is disheartening that leaders who are supposedly the custodians of the letters and spirit of the constitution would willfully be at the forefront of its denigration, all in the name of politics.”
The senator went on to warn that such actions could have far-reaching implications, threatening the essence of Nigeria’s democratic structure.
“So one wonders where the Edo State governor derives his powers to bar a Nigerian citizen from visiting his state unless such a person obtains permission from him. That is a dangerous threat to life that the authorities should not gloss over.”
Abaribe described the move as a troubling sign of growing authoritarianism and urged relevant authorities to intervene before it escalates into a more serious political crisis.
He also reminded Governor Okpebholo—himself a former senator—of the constitutional values of freedom and inclusivity that bind the Nigerian federation together.
“Governor Okpebholo needs to be reminded that Nigeria belongs to all of us and that he is dead wrong to claim authority that he does not have.
“The beauty of democracy is made manifest in the expression of freedom to hold divergent views and the freedom of movement of every Nigerian in any part of the Nigerian Federation, Edo State inclusive.”
As reactions continue to pour in, many Nigerians are now calling for clarity from the Edo State Government and urging national leaders to uphold the democratic freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
