The Labour Party's candidate in the last Edo State governorship election, Olumide Akpata, has issued a strong rebuke to Governor Monday Okpebholo over his controversial threat against former presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Governor Okpebholo had warned Obi against visiting Edo State without his express permission, stating that doing so would be "at his own peril." The governor further claimed that Obi's recent visit to the state, during which he donated N15 million to a nursing school, allegedly triggered unrest in Benin City that resulted in loss of lives.
In a response shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Akpata described the Governor's comments as "deeply troubling and totally unacceptable," emphasizing that Okpebholo lacks the authority to bar anyone, especially someone of Obi's stature, from entering the state.
"Edo people are known for being warm, open, and hospitable. We welcome visitors. We don't chase them away, much less someone like Mr. Obi who came to make a modest, generous contribution by donating N15 million to an educational institution in our state," Akpata stated.
He firmly asserted that Peter Obi does not require permission to visit Edo or any other state in Nigeria. "Not now, not ever," Akpata emphasized, highlighting the constitutional right to freedom of movement within the country.
The former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate advised Governor Okpebholo to focus on delivering good governance to Edo citizens if he wishes to earn the kind of public goodwill that Peter Obi enjoys. He further pointed out that the governor's poor judgment was particularly evident in issuing such a threat on the very day that 'Obidients' across Nigeria were celebrating Obi's birthday.
The governor's remarks have sparked widespread condemnation from Nigerians across various political affiliations and walks of life, with many viewing the statement as an overreach of gubernatorial authority and contrary to constitutional provisions on freedom of movement.
This incident highlights growing tensions in Edo's political landscape following the recent gubernatorial elections and raises questions about inter-party relations as the country continues to navigate its democratic journey.
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