Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, to immediately withdraw statements perceived as threats to the life of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Falana’s statement, issued on Sunday, follows remarks made by Governor Okpebholo during a recent political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State. At the event, the governor warned that Peter Obi should not enter the state without prior notice or official security clearance.

“There’s a new sheriff in town,” Okpebholo declared. “He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”

In his response, Falana described the governor’s comments as a direct violation of Peter Obi’s constitutional and legal rights. He cited Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the right to life, as well as Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

“The threat to the life of Mr. Peter Obi issued by the so-called ‘new sheriff in town’ clearly violates his right to life, which is constitutionally protected,” Falana said. “Furthermore, Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution affirms that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”

The senior advocate called on Governor Okpebholo to publicly retract the statement, issue an apology to Mr. Obi, and provide assurances regarding the former presidential candidate’s safety within the state.

“If Governor Okpebholo fails to withdraw the threat out of sheer arrogance or misuse of executive power, Mr. Peter Obi should urgently approach the Federal High Court in Benin to seek enforcement of his fundamental right to life,” Falana advised.