A civil society group, Leadership and Accountability Initiative, has asked the United States Embassy in Abuja to place a visa ban on Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and his family members.
The group made the request through a petition on Monday, accusing the governor of threatening the safety of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The group claimed that Okpebholo had warned on July 18 that Obi should not visit Edo State for any reason. The governor was quoted as saying that if Obi did come, “whatever he sees, he should take.”
The organisation described the governor’s remarks as a direct threat to Obi’s life and freedom. It called for the US government to impose travel restrictions and other sanctions on Okpebholo and his family to discourage political repression.
Leadership and Accountability Initiative said the governor’s comments were a clear abuse of power and a danger to Nigeria’s democracy. The group also mentioned that a similar threat had earlier come from a neighbouring state governor who allegedly banned Obi from entering his state for political reasons.
Meanwhile, a legal firm, Festus Ogun Legal, has given the Edo governor seven days to withdraw the alleged threat and publicly apologise to Obi and Nigerians.
In a letter dated July 21, the firm’s managing partner, Festus Ogun, described Okpebholo’s statement as unconstitutional. He reminded the governor that Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to move freely within the country.
Ogun also referenced a Court of Appeal judgement which ruled that no governor has the authority to restrict the movement of any citizen without legal backing.
He said forcing Obi to seek security clearance before visiting Edo State is a violation of his rights.
The firm warned that if the governor fails to apologise within seven days, it may take legal steps to protect Obi’s rights.
