A civil society group, Leadership & Accountability Initiative, has petitioned the U.S. Embassy to impose a visa ban on Governor Monday Okpebholo and his family members over a threatening statement made against Peter Obi.
A copy of the petition dated July 21, addressed to the UK and U.S. embassies, titled ‘Petition for visa ban on Senator Monday Okpebholo and his family over threats to democratic opposition figure’, said, “We wish to bring to your urgent attention a grave threat to democratic stability and political coexistence issued by the sitting Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, against one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures and former presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.”
Mr Okpebholo had warned Mr Obi against visiting Edo, pointing out that doing so would pose a risk to his safety.
“Whatever he sees, he should take,” the Edo governor cautioned Mr Obi.
“This direct threat to the life, freedom of movement, and political participation of a Nigerian citizen, more so a leading opposition figure, amounts to state-sanctioned intimidation, abuse of office, and a dangerous assault on the democratic space,” the group stated in the petition.
Referring to Governor Hyacinth Alia’s warning against Mr Obi visiting Benue without permission, the petition stated, “Just weeks prior, another sitting governor in a neighboring state reportedly denied Mr Obi entry into the state on similar political grounds.”
It added, “This disturbing pattern indicates an orchestrated attempt to isolate, silence, and possibly endanger the life of Mr. Obi, and by extension, undermine multiparty democracy in Nigeria.”
Mr Okphebolo’s statement has been widely condemned as it violates the Nigerian Constitution. Femi Falana, a rights activist, urged Mr Obi to sue the Edo governor if he refuses to withdraw the threat and apologise.
However, Mr Okpebholo has doubled down on his statement, saying it was informed by the rising insecurity in Edo, citing how Mr Obi arrested former Governor Nasir El-Rufai in 2013.
