Apologise to Peter Obi, Withdraw Inflammatory Statement — Global Rights Tells Governor Okpebholo

By Angel Ike

Global Rights, a leading human rights organization, has called on Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to issue a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, and to withdraw his unconstitutional and inflammatory statement against him.

This demand follows Governor Okpebholo’s recent declaration that Mr. Obi must obtain “clearance” from him before visiting Edo State, a remark which Global Rights described as reckless, legally baseless, and a veiled threat that could incite violence. The group warned that, should any harm come to Mr. Obi or his supporters in Edo State, the source of provocation would be clear.

Global Rights emphasized that no governor has the constitutional authority to restrict the movement of any Nigerian citizen within the country. Mr. Obi, like all Nigerians, is protected by Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to move freely and reside anywhere in Nigeria.

The organisation stressed that Okpebholo’s statement not only disrespects the constitution but also attempts to place the governor above the law, setting a dangerous and unacceptable precedent.

In a statement, Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights, condemned the governor’s remarks as “not only legally absurd but also capable of inciting violence,” and unbecoming of a political leader whose conduct should be exemplary.

He urged both the governor’s political party and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to publicly condemn the statement and demand an apology, emphasising that the dignity of public office requires accountability, not silence.

The group further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fair and transparent investigation into the matter, citing Section 92(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits political speech that incites violence or injures ethnic, religious, or regional sentiments.

In light of Nigeria’s fragile democracy and current national mood, Global Rights reminded leaders that their words carry weight and that irresponsible statements can have serious consequences.

“Leaders must be careful with their words at all times because careless speech can incite violence, and in a fragile democracy like Nigeria, it can cause real harm,” the group stated.

At the time of reporting, Governor Okpebholo has not issued an apology and has defended his comments as a matter of security protocol, insisting there was no threat intended.

However, opposition lawmakers, rights groups, and legal experts continue to demand accountability and a retraction of the statement, citing its potential to undermine constitutional rights and national unity.