Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to immediately withdraw what he described as a dangerous and unconstitutional threat to the life of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Falana’s statement followed remarks made by Governor Okpebholo during a recent political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area. The governor had warned that Obi must notify him or obtain clearance before visiting Edo, declaring, “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.”
In response, Falana condemned the comments, saying they violate Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which both uphold the fundamental right to life.
“Given Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which places the security and welfare of the people as the primary duty of government, Governor Okpebholo must retract the threat, publicly apologise to Mr. Peter Obi, and provide assurances of his safety in Edo State,” Falana stated.
He further advised Obi to seek legal redress if the governor fails to comply, suggesting the former presidential candidate file a suit at the Federal High Court in Benin to enforce his right to life.
“Mr. Obi should act with urgency, especially in light of the growing incidents of mob justice and extrajudicial killings across the country,” Falana added.
