South East Senate Caucus Calls Edo Governor’s Security Clearance Demand for Peter Obi Unconstitutional

The South East Senate Caucus has strongly criticized the demand by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo that former presidential candidate Peter Obi must seek security clearance before visiting Edo State. The caucus labeled the governor’s directive as unconstitutional and an infringement on Obi’s freedom of movement.

Governor Okpebholo had publicly stated that Peter Obi should notify and obtain security clearance from the Edo State government before embarking on any public engagement within the state.

The governor cited security concerns and his constitutional role as Chief Security Officer of the state to justify the demand, referencing previous incidents of violence in Edo to emphasize the need for heightened vigilance around high-profile visitors.

Okpebholo warned that Obi’s safety could not be guaranteed if the clearance was not sought, stating If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame.

The governor’s demand sparked widespread backlash from civil society groups, legal experts and political figures. The South East Senate Caucus condemned the move asserting that it violated the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria which guarantees the freedom of movement for all citizens.

The caucus described the demand as an unconstitutional attempt to restrict the rights of a citizen and undermine democratic principles.

A prominent legal firm, Festus Ogun Legal gave the governor a seven-day ultimatum to retract his statement and apologize deeming the threat illegal and without legal foundation.

Opposition leaders and members of the public expressed concern over the implications of the governor’s stance. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar declared that any threat against Peter Obi was a threat to all Nigerians, highlighting the gravity of the issue .

Conversely, some political figures like Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike backed Governor Okpebholo’s call for security protocols emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety for politically exposed persons during campaigns and visits.

Following the outcry the Edo State government clarified that the governor’s comments were not intended as a threat but were meant to emphasize security protocols necessary for the protection of visitors and residents alike.

The government reaffirmed that the call for clearance was aligned with the governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property amid heightened security challenges including recent kidnappings and attacks on clergy within the state .

The controversy underscores ongoing tensions between security considerations and constitutional freedoms in Nigeria’s political landscape. The South East Senate Caucus and other stakeholders continue to urge respect for constitutional rights, warning against politicizing security issues.

Peter Obi’s movements and engagements in Edo State remain under close watch amid these developments with calls for dialogue and adherence to lawful protocols to ensure safety while preserving democratic freedoms.