Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has urged Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, to rescind the threat against Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).
Recall that at a public gathering on Friday, Okphebolo cautioned Peter Obi not to travel to Edo without first obtaining security clearance, claiming that violence had accompanied the former governor of Anambra State’s previous visit to the state.
“That guy who claims he has no’shishi’ came and dropped N15 million,” he claimed. From where did he obtain it? Three individuals were slain after he left. Obi must therefore obtain a security clearance before entering Edo.
Falana, however, denounced Okpebholo’s remarks in a statement issued on Sunday, claiming that they were against the 1999 Constitution.
According to the human rights attorney, if Okpebholo doesn’t take back the unlawful threat, Peter Obi should go ahead and apply before the Federal High Court’s Benin Judicial Division to have his fundamental right to life upheld.
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“Section 33 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 Constitution as amended and article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples (Ratification and Enforcement) which guarantee the fundamental right of every citizen to life are violated by the threat to Mr. Peter Obi’s life issued by the ‘new sheriff in town’ in Edo State,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo ought to revoke the threat, publicly apologize to Mr. Peter Obi, and guarantee him the protection of his life in Edo State in accordance with section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which states that the security and well-being of the populace shall be the main goals of government.
However, Mr. Peter Obi should go ahead and file an application at the Federal High Court’s Benin Judicial Division to secure the enforcement of his fundamental right to life if Governor Okpebholo does not revoke the unlawful threat due to his blatant abuse of power. Given how common mob justice and other extrajudicial killings are throughout the nation, Mr. Obi needs to take immediate action.
