Civil Society Group, Global Rights, hasve said comments by the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, against Peter Obi, were unconstitutional and inflammatory.
The Rights group said Okpebholo’s comments were against Section 92(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits political speeches that incite violence or injury to ethnic, religious or regional sentiments.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Abiodun Baiyewu, Global Rights demanded a public apology for Obi and his supporters, tasking Okpebholo to withdraw his unconstitutional and inflammatory statement.
Global Rights is also asking the Edo Governor’s political party, the All Progressives Congress and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to publicly condemn his remarks and call on him to apologise.
It also asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to launch a fair and transparent investigation into the matter as prescribed by Section 92(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
The group said, ”as Nigeria approaches another major election in 2027, our leaders must set the tone for responsible political conduct. The kind of democracy we build will be determined by the conduct of those who seek to lead. Leaders must not only protect the rights of their opponents, they must actively promote a culture of political tolerance and peaceful engagement.
”Let us be clear. No Governor in Nigeria has the constitutional authority to restrict the movement of a Nigerian citizen within the country. Mr. Obi, like any Nigerian, is protected by Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the right to move freely throughout Nigeria and reside in any part thereof.
”Senator Okpebholo’s statement not only disrespects the Constitution, but it also attempts to place him above it. This is a dangerous and unacceptable precedent.
”Even more troubling is the veiled threat of violence implied in the Governor’s remarks. The suggestion that Mr. Obi might face harm for visiting Edo State without the Governor’s blessing is deeply irresponsible. If any harm were to come to Mr. Obi or his supporters, the source of the threat would be clear.
”Leaders must be careful with their words at all times because careless speech can incite violence, and in a fragile democracy like Nigeria, it can cause real harm,” the Rights group warned.