Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has strongly condemned Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo's recent threats against former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing the governor's actions as a "dangerous erosion of democratic values in Nigeria."
Governor Okpebholo had issued a stern warning to Obi, cautioning him against entering Edo State without prior notification and approval from the state government.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Chidoka characterized the governor's remarks as part of a "disturbing pattern of territorial authoritarianism by subnational actors" that threatens Nigeria's constitutional freedoms.
"These threats are unconstitutional, unlawful, and signal a creeping descent into regional lawlessness," Chidoka warned in his statement.
The incident follows a similar situation in April when Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia reportedly told Obi not to visit internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Benue without prior clearance, citing security concerns.
Political analysts view these developments as potentially signaling growing tensions between state executives and opposition figures as Nigeria moves closer to another election cycle.
The controversy has sparked reactions from civil society organizations and supporters of Peter Obi, commonly known as "Obidients," who have expressed outrage over what they perceive as unconstitutional restrictions on the movement of a prominent political figure.
Neither Peter Obi nor Governor Okpebholo's office has issued further statements regarding the situation at the time of this report.
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