Renowned human rights lawyer and former chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, has sharply condemned Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent threat against former Anambra State Governor and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. The governor publicly declared that Obi’s security would not be guaranteed if he visited Edo State without prior approval from the government, citing unrest that followed Obi’s last visit during which a ₦15 million donation reportedly led to violence causing three deaths.
In a statement shared on his official X handle, Odinkalu lamented the governor’s remarks, describing them as “tragic” and “utterly condemnable.” He emphasized that while individuals may choose to like or dislike Peter Obi, a state governor threatening a private citizen unprovoked signaled the regrettable state of Nigerian politics. Odinkalu wrote, “You can like or choose not to like @PeterObi but a state governor threatening a private citizen unprovoked is the tragic pass in which #Nigerian politics finds itself at. It is tragically condemnable.”
Governor Okpebholo’s comments, made during a rally in Benin City, sparked widespread outrage across social media and political circles, with critics accusing the governor of escalating political tensions and undermining democratic freedoms. The governor warned Obi that any visit to Edo without notifying state authorities would be at his own risk and dismissed Obi’s claims of modest living, branding him as politically dangerous following the unrest linked to his previous visit.
Odinkalu’s reaction aligns with growing calls from civil society and political actors for respect of freedom of movement and the safety of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. The controversy also highlights increasing political intolerance and security concerns in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape as the nation approaches future elections.
