Former spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Kenneth Okonkwo, has issued a strong rebuke of recent comments made by the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, concerning Peter Obi’s right to visit the state.

During a live interview on ARISE News on Monday, Okonkwo condemned the governor’s statements as a violation of the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens, describing them as “unconstitutional, illegal, irresponsible, and largely illiterate.”

Governor Okpebholo, while addressing a political gathering in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, alleged that Obi’s previous visit to the state had resulted in violence and fatalities.

He accused the former presidential candidate of acting without regard for state protocol, claiming, “There’s a new sheriff in town. 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.”

He further alleged that Obi, known for his frugal public persona, left behind a trail of financial and security concerns. “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed,” the governor stated, adding that Obi would now require security clearance before entering Edo.

Following backlash, Governor Okpebholo issued a clarification on Sunday, stating that his comments were not intended as threats but as a call for adherence to protocol. He maintained that his remarks had been misinterpreted.

Okonkwo, however, dismissed both the original statements and the clarification, calling the episode a direct violation of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement to all Nigerian citizens.

Quoting the constitutional provision, Okonkwo stated, “Every citizen of Nigeria shall be entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof. No citizen shall be expelled from or denied entry into any part of the country.” He added, “No governor has the power to prevent a Nigerian citizen from entering any state within the federation.”

The Labour Party chieftain further accused Governor Okpebholo of politically motivated intimidation, targeting opposition figures. “This is a direct attack, threat, and intimidation of an opposition leader,” he said. He described the governor as “underproduced, figure-challenged, panchomic, petite, and largely illiterate.”

Okonkwo also expressed concern over what he termed an ethnically charged undertone in the governor’s remarks, describing them as “a direct threat to Igbo people” and “an exhibition of being an Igbo hater.”