Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has described the alleged threat and restriction of movement imposed on former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as a direct assault on Nigeria’s unity and a violation of the constitution.
Abaribe, who currently chairs the South East Senate Caucus, warned that no state governor has the constitutional authority to trample on the fundamental rights of any Nigerian citizen. He cautioned that such actions risk inflaming divisions and undermining the country’s democratic progress.
In a statement issued in Abuja by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, Abaribe emphasised that Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy where the rights of all citizens must be respected.
“It is disheartening that leaders, who are meant to uphold the 1999 Constitution (as amended), would choose to undermine it for political reasons,” Abaribe said.
“Nigeria is governed by rules, and leaders across all levels of government are bound by the principle of the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution.
“So, one wonders where the Edo State Governor derives the authority to bar a Nigerian citizen from visiting his state—unless such a person seeks his permission, or he claims the person’s security cannot be guaranteed. That is a dangerous threat to life, which the authorities must not overlook.”
The senator warned that the country is “descending rapidly into lawlessness” and prayed for Obi’s safety. He reminded Governor Okpebholo —himself a former senator—that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and no individual can claim exclusive authority over any part of the federation.
“The beauty of democracy lies in the freedom to hold divergent views and the right of every Nigerian to move freely across the country, including Edo State,” Abaribe added.
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