The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned what it describes as an “unconstitutional and dangerous erosion of democratic rights” following a directive by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, demanding that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, obtain security clearance before visiting the state.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, on Monday, CHRICED described the governor’s action as “a blatant abuse of power” that threatens Nigeria’s democratic principles and violates the constitutional rights of citizens.
Grassroots Parrot reports that Governor Okpebholo had issued the directive in the wake of Labour Party stalwart Marcus Onobun’s defection to the All-Progressives Congress (APC), linking Obi’s visit to recent acts of violence in the state, including the killing of three people. But Dr. Zikirullahi argued that the allegations were baseless and politically motivated.
“There is no evidence whatsoever to link Mr. Obi to any acts of violence in Edo State,” said Dr. Zikirullahi. “This kind of reckless and unsubstantiated accusation is not only irresponsible, it’s an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians and a threat to constitutional order.”
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The Executive Director noted with concern a growing trend among APC leaders to “weaponize state power” against opposition voices. It referenced previous remarks by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka who, during a January TV interview, declared that Peter Obi “has what’s coming to him.”
Similarly, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State warned Peter Obi and others, that visitors to his state without prior notice could face safety risks.
“These statements form part of a disturbing pattern of hostility toward opposition figures,” Zikirullahi said. “It’s unacceptable in any democratic society. Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of movement for every Nigerian, including Mr. Obi. No governor has the authority to override that right without a valid court order.”
Dr. Zikirullahi further criticized the “hypocrisy” of state governors who routinely claim they have no control over federal security agencies, yet assert their powers as Chief Security Officers when it comes to restricting opposition figures.
“It is deeply unfortunate that governors who should be tackling real threats—such as cultism, kidnapping, and armed violence—are instead issuing politically charged edicts aimed at muzzling dissent,” he said.
Calling on Governor Okpebholo to “immediately retract the unconstitutional directive,” Zikirullahi urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “curb the authoritarian drift among APC governors” and uphold his promise to protect Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.
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“The country belongs to us all,” Zikirullahi noted. “Democracy is not the private estate of those in power. The Constitution—not political fear-mongering—must prevail.”
He also encouraged the judiciary, civil society, and human rights defenders to stand firm against attempts to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space.