Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo comes under vicious attacks and criticism over threats he dished out to Peter Obi against visiting Edo State unannounced
By Lukmon Ojerinde
Monday, July 7, 2025, would remain an important date in the life of Saint Philomena Catholic Hospital’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, Benin City in Edo State. On this date, His Eminence, Peter Obi arrived the hospital to a rousing welcome of love and joy.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general election, had visited the medical facility once again to show concern and solidarity after he visited it last year and made a donation of N10 million.
However, Obi’s visit this year whereupon he made another donation of N15 million to support infrastructure projects in the school, elicited wild jubilation and commendation especially among users of the internet who praised the presidential hopeful to high heavens.
Speaking during the visit, Obi said, “The most important measurable development is health, education and pulling people out of poverty, and I am concentrated on the three of them. That is why every week I go to health facilities and schools to support them”.
Promptly trailing the Obi magnanimity was the social media getting awash with numerous citizens commending Obi, not just for the donation to the Catholic Church hospital, but for many such other acts of magnanimity he had done across the country.
Notably, one Ibrahim H. Abdulkarim took to his X handle (formerly Twitter) to write, ” Peter Obi: The Leader Nigeria Needs to Transform the North and Beyond!
“Fellow Nigerians, let’s unite for a brighter future and reject the divisive traps of religion and tribalism. The time has come to rally behind Peter Obi, a leader whose actions prove he’s committed to uplifting every Nigerian; North, South, Christian, Muslim, or otherwise; through agriculture, economic empowerment, and poverty alleviation.
“Consider the inspiring story of UMZA RICE, a proudly Northern, Muslim-owned business in Kano. When its CEO, a visionary Northerner, approached three banks for a loan to grow his rice business, he was turned away. But then came Peter Obi, a Southern Christian who saw beyond tribe or religion. With no hesitation, Peter Obi stepped in, ensuring the loan was approved. He didn’t stop there, he visited the Umza Rice Factory multiple times, offering unwavering support until Umza Rice soared to success.
“Today, Umza Rice stands as Nigeria’s largest rice factory, a testament to what’s possible when we embrace unity over division. Because Peter Obi set aside differences, a Northern Muslim’s dream didn’t just survive but it thrived, even expanding into airline services!
“This is the power of a leader who prioritizes progress over prejudice. Peter Obi’s vision isn’t just for the North, it’s for all of Nigeria. His track record shows a commitment to agriculture and poverty reduction, ensuring opportunities for every citizen to rise.
“Imagine a Nigeria where families everywhere thrive because we’ve chosen a leader who builds bridges, not walls. A Nigeria where no one is judged by their tribe or faith, but by their dreams and determination. Let’s not be deceived by those who exploit our differences for political gain.
“Peter Obi is proof that when we unite, everyone wins. Join hands with well-meaning Nigerians to support a leader who will transform agriculture, lift millions out of poverty, and create a Nigeria that works for all, not just a privileged few.
“Thank you, Peter Obi, for showing us what true leadership looks like. Together, let’s make a new Nigeria POssible!”.
While many Nigerians took to their social media handles to applaud Obi, the government of Edo State where the Catholic hospital is located, became infuriated against the donor over what many have interpreted as dirty politics for 2027. Specifically, the governor of Edo, Monday Okpebholo who appeared rattled by the warm reception accorded Obi at the hospital, had a few weeks after Obi’s donation, poured the venom of his government on the donor at a political event to the effect that he must not come to Edo any other time without clearance from the government for security reasons.
Speaking at a welcome rally organized for a federal lawmaker in the state, Marcus Onobun, Okpebholo who was visibly irritated by Obi’s acceptance in the stae, had warned the former Anambra State governor never to visit Edo State again without its governor’s authorization.
Governor Okpebholo said, “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security
clearance. His visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state. And this will not be tolerated”.
Immediately after Okpebholo bellowed his warning, vicious reactions and criticism began to flow in defence of Obi both on social media and traditional media. Many asked the Edo governor to furnish the public with the evidence of the violence orchestrated by the Obi visit to the hospital. Others requested to know the identities of the three killed in connection with the visit, as well as the circumstances under which they were killed to ascertain how Obi’s visit was involved.
Indeed, numerous other commentators concluded that Okpebholo was acting the script given to him by the presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to quell and diminish the soaring Obi popularity across the country.
To worsen the backlash, some irate citizens went to excavate the ridiculous results of the Edo governor’s Secondary School Certificate Examination where he performed below average, using them to mock and ridicule him as a “half illiterate” fellow who was helped to become governor by the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Obviously worried by the Okpebholo outburst against Obi, not a few opinion leaders and political bigwigs have condemned the Edo governor in strong terms.
Also to worsen the matter, the chairman of the APC in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, issued a direct threat against the former presidential candidate Obi, warning him not to enter the state without explicit permission.
In a video currently making the rounds on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Tenebe declared: “Peter Obi cannot come to Edo State without permission because of the intense hatred many of us, including myself, have for him. There’s a deep-rooted hatred for him in this state, and anyone who stands in our way will be smoked out.”
The remark has since gone viral, drawing criticism from political observers and citizens who condemned the rhetoric as inflammatory and dangerous.
In a strongly worded statement, Olumide Akpata, Labour Party’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate in Edo, criticized the governor’s comments as “deeply troubling” and “ill-judged.” He praised Mr. Obi’s leadership and generosity, asserting that Obi remains welcome in Edo State regardless of political threats.
An activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, on Sunday, July 20, urged President Bola Tinubu to address what he called the rascality of Governor Okpebholo.
Idam blamed Tinubu for Okpebholo’s anti-democratic threat against the former Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Obi.
Describing the governor as half literate, Idam said Okpebholo should have understood that the Constitution allows Obi to visit Edo State at will and live there permanently.
In a statement he signed, Idam said: “I will rather blame President Tinubu for Governor Okpebholo’s reckless anti-democratic threat against Mr. Peter Obi.
“The President appears to have endorsed every ill-mannered conduct exhibited in favour of his 2027 ambition to remain as president despite his awful performance.
“Otherwise, Governor Okpebholo in his half literacy would be able to understand that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria permits Mr. Obi not only to visit Edo State at will but to permanently live in the state, if that be his desire.
“The fact that Governor Okpebholo was successfully foisted on the people of Edo State despite horrible educational status, does not permit him to proudly advertise his illiteracy in public.
“Perhaps, he needs a private tutor to help him learn that if such threats were to be issued by every other state governor against him – he would be confined only to Edo State, throughout his life.
“Mr. President is urged to quickly address the growing rascality being displayed by desperate political elements who have thrown caution and modernity into the air just to be seen as loyal to him.
“The shaky Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the pulpit of Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.”
A human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, also on Sunday condemned Governor Okpebholo over comments threatening the safety of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Obi.
In a strongly worded statement, Falana called on Governor Okpebholo to immediately withdraw the threat and publicly apologize to Obi, warning that the remarks were unconstitutional and posed a serious violation of the right to life.
Reacting, Falana stated that the governor’s threat breached Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement Act), both of which guarantee every Nigerian’s right to life and security.
“In view of Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which stipulates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, Governor Okpebholo should withdraw the threat, apologize publicly to Mr. Peter Obi and assure him of the safety of his life in Edo State.
“Mr. Obi should proceed to file an application in the Benin Judicial Division of the Federal High Court to secure the enforcement of his fundamental right to life. He should act with utmost urgency in view of the prevalence of mob justice and other forms of extrajudicial killings in the country.”
For Dr. Moses Paul, the media aide to Obi, Okpebholo’s warning was both irresponsible and politically motivated. In his response shared on his official X page, Dr. Paul criticized the governor’s remarks, asserting that Obi doesn’t require clearance from any political leader to travel within Nigeria.
Dr. Paul firmly stated that the country operates a democratic system, not one ruled by kings, and as such, no governor has the power to restrict the movement of citizens. He condemned the suggestion that Obi posed any kind of threat and rejected attempts to politicize tragedies for personal or political gain.
The leadership of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) also condemned the threat issued to Obi by Okpebholo.
In a statement, the national publicity secretary of CUPP, Peter Ameh said Okpebholo’s action towards the former governor of Anambra state was disgraceful.
Also describing the governor’s threat to Obi as a display of thuggery, Ameh said Okpebholo’s comment showed that he is not inclined to support the provision of the Nigerian Constitution that guarantees freedom of movement for citizens.
The CUPP said, “Okpebholo’s recorded remarks, warning Obi not to ‘dare’ enter Edo State without his permission and stating that his security ‘is not guaranteed,’ constitute a veiled death threat against a law-abiding citizen exercising his constitutional rights.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo’s threat against Peter Obi is a disgraceful act that strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy. It is a direct assault on the constitutional rights to freedom of movement, expression, and association, and it reflects a dangerous arrogance that has no place in governance.
“This incident must serve as a wake-up call for Nigerians to defend their constitutional protections and demand accountability from those in power,” Ameh added.
In a fiery interview on Arise TV, Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communications for the Obedient Movement, condemned Okpebholo for statement.
Kazaure did not mince words in her criticism, stating, “He has no business being in that seat; we should actually launch a lawsuit against Governor Pablo.”
“There is a trend for tyranny. If you can threaten somebody like Peter Obi at that level, then what does he do to the ordinary citizen?”
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on its part has demanded that Okpebholo should immediately withdraw what it described as a “patently unlawful request” for Obi to obtain permission before visiting Edo state.
In a statement posted on X, SERAP said the governor’s directive violated Obi’s fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments.
“Under sections 33(1) and 41(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] every Nigerian including Mr Obi is entitled to the rights to life and freedom of movement, including the ‘freedom to move freely throughout Nigeria,’” SERAP said.
“The right to freedom of movement is a basic element of liberty. The freedom to move freely throughout Nigeria guards against government repression, political intolerance and serves as a check on arbitrary state action,” SERAP said.
The group further stated: “Governor Monday Okpebholo must uphold his constitutional oath of office including ‘to discharge [his] duties to the best of [his] ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the law.’
The Leadership & Accountability Initiative, has submitted a petition to the United States Embassy in Abuja, calling for a visa ban on Edo State Governor and his family over what it described as “state-sanctioned threats” against former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader.
In the petition, the group accused Governor Okpebholo of threatening Obi’s safety and freedom of movement following comments allegedly made on Friday, July 18, 2025.
The petition read, “We write as concerned stakeholders in the protection and promotion
of democratic values, civil liberties, and political tolerance within the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We wish to bring to your urgent attention a grave threat to democratic stability and political coexistence issued by the sitting Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, against one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures and former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
“On or about Friday, the 18th of July, 2025, Governor Okpebholo openly threatened Mr. Obi against visiting Edo State for any reason whatsoever, warning ominously that “whatever he sees, he should take.” This direct threat to the life, freedom of movement, and political participation of a Nigerian citizen-more so a leading opposition figure-amounts to state-sanctioned intimidation, abuse of office, and a dangerous assault on the democratic space.
“We recall that just weeks prior, another sitting governor in a neighboring state reportedly denied Mr. Obi entry into the state on similar political grounds. This disturbing pattern indicates an orchestrated attempt to isolate, silence, and possibly endanger the life of Mr. Obi, and by extension, undermine multiparty democracy in Nigeria.
“Reasons for International Sanction:Violation of Democratic Norms: Threatening political opponents with violence or obstruction violates the tenets of democracy and the rule of law.
“Abuse of State Power: The governor is using state resources and influence to repress opposition and discourage dissent,” they added.
The letter stated, “With respect, threatening Mr. Peter Obi not to visit Edo State without security clearance from your office is certainly not supported by law. Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides that every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereby or exit therefrom.
“Similarly, the Court of Appeal in Faith Okafor v Lagos State Government (2016) LPELR-41066 (CA) made it very clear that a Governor lacks the right or power to restrict the freedom of movement of any person without recourse to law.”
“It is, in fact, a gross violation of Mr. Peter Obi’s constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of movement,” the firm insisted.
“Considering the foregoing, we hereby respectfully request that you retract the unconstitutional threats and tender a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi and the good people of Nigeria,” the letter read.
“We are confident that this modest request will be met within seven days of receipt of this letter. In the unlikely event that our request is not met within the timeframe, we may be compelled to institute a fundamental rights enforcement lawsuit against you, in the interest of our constitutional democracy and the rule of law.”
“We trust that you are properly advised and would act accordingly,” the letter added.
A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, said that any attack on the person of Obi, was an attack on everyone.
In a post shared on his X handle, Atiku wrote; “Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against ALL of us! -AA”
In his condemnation statement, former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, described the threat and restriction of movement placed on Obi, in Edo State as a direct challenge to Nigeria’s unity and a brazen attack on the Constitution.
The lawmaker, who is the Chairman of the South-East Senate Caucus, also warned that the Governor of Edo State lacked the constitutional powers to abridge any citizen’s right and may have by so doing, unconscionably triggered a divisive trajectory that could hurt Nigeria’s democratic advancement.
Abaribe, in a statement in Abuja by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, called for caution and warned that Nigeria is still a constitutional democracy where the rights of everyone, particularly citizens of Nigeria are guaranteed.
The statement said, “It is therefore disheartening that leaders who are supposedly the custodians of the letters and spirit of the 1999 Constitution, as amended would decide to willfully be at the driving seat of its denigration in the name of politics.
“Nigeria is governed by rules and her leaders in all sub national governments subscribed to the adherence and respect to the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution.
“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 otherwise the person’s security will not be guaranteed.
“That is a dangerous threat to life that the authorities should not gloss over.
“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.
“Governor Okpebholo who was a Senator and as such a lawmaker 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”.
On his part, a former minister for Aviation, Osita Chidoka has given concrete reasons why the threats from Edo State governor Monday Okpebholo against the former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi demanded a national response. According to the statements which were shared on his official X handle, he drew the attention of the public to the events of 1964.
According to the statements which were shared on his official X handle, the former Aviation boss pointed out that governor Okpebholo’s comments deserved a national response, drawing attention back to the events of 1964.
In his narratives, he disclosed that political intolerance ripped through the fabrics of Nigerian democracy in 1964, leading to unrest. He further pointed out that Obi was now the recipient of such political witch-hunt.
In his concluding remarks, he asked a powerful question that shook the foundation of political game play as according to him, ‘Why were Tinubu and Buhari free to roam in opposition, yet Obi is treated as a threat’? He asked rhetorically.
In a weak defence, Governor Okpebholo, has clarified his comments barring Obi from coming into the state without clearance. He said it was not a threat but a directive on issues of protocol.
He, however, said there were moral and spiritual issues pertaining to the donation, which were not supposed to be issues for publicity.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said there was a need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the governor before embarking on any public engagements within the State.
He said, “As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the Governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors alike. This duty includes ensuring that adequate security measures are put in place during high-profile visits or events that may attract large crowds or media attention. When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats.
“Governor Okpebholo’s position is particularly relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics.
“Edo State has witnessed its share of these tragic incidents, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy in recent years. Public donations made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions, while noble in intent, must be approached with caution and in full consultation with the appropriate security channels to avoid exposing these institutions and their leaders to further danger.
“The Governor’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility.
“The Holy Scripture reminds us that giving is best done in private, as Jesus admonished us in Matthew 6: 2 – 4 that, “when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpet…but when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
“In today’s volatile security environment, this wisdom cannot be overstated. Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.
“Furthermore, the Governor’s concerns should not be twisted for political mileage by individuals seeking to score cheap points. The State Government will not fold its arms and allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives. We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.”
Meanwhile, Obi has declared that he would return to Edo, despite threats by Okpebholo.
Obi spoke while responding to questions from journalists in Awka over Okpebholo’s warning.
The former Anambra governor, who was at his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, to make a donation, said he was not afraid of threats. He revealed that he receives threats every day.
He stressed that if he had need to be in Edo State to make a donation, he would not hesitate to go there.
“Threats don’t make any meaning to me. I receive threats every day. Do you know how many times I have been threatened all over Nigeria? I receive threats everyday actually, the ones you know about was because it was vocal, but I will not be afraid.
“If I have the opportunity to go to Benin and make donations again, trust me, I will. I have always said that we should de-emphasize politics and think more of how to invest in the people. I went to Benin to invest in people because if they have good doctors, good nurses, they will have a better life.
“What the governor should have done is to complement what I was doing in his state instead of threatening me. He should be sincerely grateful.
“I’m in school today to make a donation, I’m going to be in school somewhere in Nigeria tomorrow too. I’m going to be in school on Saturday, I’m going to be in school on Sunday and even on Monday. Forget about the threat, it’s a waste of time,” the ex-presidential candidate said.
