Okpebholo can’t give Peter Obi conditions for entering Edo – Group 

The Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has reacted to a powerful message by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, warning him not to step into Edo State without getting a clearance from him. The governor gave the warning in Uromi, […]

The Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has reacted to a powerful message by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, warning him not to step into Edo State without getting a clearance from him.

The governor gave the warning in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of the state while receiving a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member in the House of Representatives representing Esan West/Igueben/Central, Hon Marcus Onobun who has decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reacting in a statement he personally signed, Engr Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, President General of Igbo Community Association in the FCT condemned Governor Okpebholo’s statement.

The statement reads: “The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, must exercise greater caution in the manner he expresses himself, particularly in public forums. This is especially important now that he speaks not just as a politician, but as an elected governor.

“His recent comment at a public function in Edo State, suggesting that he has placed a ban on the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, from entering Edo State without security clearance, is deeply disappointing and unbecoming of a public officeholder who ought to act as a statesman.

“Governor Okpebholo claimed that three individuals were killed shortly after Mr Obi’s visit to Edo, going as far as branding him a security threat to the people of the state. Such an allegation is both reckless and irresponsible.

“The Igbo Community in the Federal Capital Territory is alarmed by the careless and inflammatory tone adopted by the Governor. We demand an immediate retraction of this unfounded statement, as well as the insinuation that Mr Obi’s visit directly led to the tragic loss of lives.”

It continued: “It is saddening that, in the face of rising socio-economic challenges, the Governor appears more concerned with Mr Obi’s itinerary than with the pressing issues confronting Edo State. He should prioritise the duties of his office rather than single out Peter Obi for political persecution.

“Mr Obi remains a free citizen of Nigeria, entitled by the Constitution to travel to any part of the country without hindrance or intimidation.

“The politics of bloodshed and “do-or-die” must be condemned. Nigeria is not a one-party state; we are a democracy, and a vibrant one at that.

“We, the Igbo Community in the FCT, therefore call on the nation’s security agencies to caution the Edo State Governor and urge him to desist from making divisive and incendiary remarks.

“This situation reflects a broader malaise, a toxic mix of ignorance, arrogance, and a misguided sense of authority. These are among the evils that continue to plague our nation.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. This latest outburst is not merely about Peter Obi, it exposes the deep-rooted animosity towards the Igbo people. It highlights the very forces that have long held Nigeria and its citizens hostage.

“Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention without conviction. Now, Peter Obi is being unjustly targeted and restricted. Just a few months ago, a similar scenario played out in Benue State, where the Governor, a Reverend Father, took comparable steps.

“We understand the underlying fear. It is the kind of panic that grips those who lack popular support. Governor Okpebholo recognises the growing momentum of the new coalition movement, and Peter Obi has become its most visible and credible symbol, possibly representing a coalition under parties like the ADC.

“Rather than fear the movement, the Governor should respect democratic principles and focus on delivering good governance. History will not be kind to those who suppress dissent or stoke division for political gain.”