The Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday condemned the recent remarksb by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo warning Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, against entering Edo State without prior clearance.
The governor issued the warning during a political event in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, where he was receiving Hon. Marcus Onobun, a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and House of Representatives member, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response, the President-General of the Igbo Community Association in the FCT, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, in a strong worded statement condemned the governor’s remarks. The statement, which he personally signed, described the governor’s comment as irresponsible and unbefitting of a public office holder.
“The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, must exercise greater caution in the manner he expresses himself, particularly in public forums. This is especially important now that he speaks not just as a politician, but as an elected governor,” the statement began.
It continued, “His recent comment at a public function in Edo State, suggesting that he has placed a ban on the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, from entering Edo State without security clearance, is deeply disappointing and unbecoming of a public officeholder who ought to act as a statesman.”
Engr. Ellis-Ezenekwe went on to address the governor’s allegations, which linked Obi’s recent visit to Edo State with the killing of three individuals, branding the Labour Party candidate a security threat.
“Governor Okpebholo claimed that three individuals were killed shortly after Mr Obi’s visit to Edo, going as far as branding him a security threat to the people of the state. Such an allegation is both reckless and irresponsible,” he stated.
The Igbo community leader said his group is alarmed by what he called “the careless and inflammatory tone” of the governor’s statement, insisting that the claim is not only unfounded but also dangerous.
“We demand an immediate retraction of this unfounded statement, as well as the insinuation that Mr Obi’s visit directly led to the tragic loss of lives,” he said.
According to the association, Governor Okpebholo should focus on governance instead of launching politically motivated attacks on opponents.
“It is saddening that, in the face of rising socio-economic challenges, the Governor appears more concerned with Mr Obi’s itinerary than with the pressing issues confronting Edo State. He should prioritise the duties of his office rather than single out Peter
Obi for political persecution,” the statement noted.Reaffirming Peter Obi’s constitutional rights, the association stated: “Mr Obi remains a free citizen of Nigeria, entitled by the Constitution to travel to any part of the country without hindrance or intimidation.”
The group further denounced what it described as a troubling trend of political intimidation and violent rhetoric in Nigeria’s democracy.
“The politics of bloodshed and ‘do-or-die’ must be condemned. Nigeria is not a one-party state; we are a democracy, and a vibrant one at that.”
They called on the relevant security agencies to intervene and caution the governor to desist from making further divisive comments.
“We, the Igbo Community in the FCT, therefore call on the nation’s security agencies to caution the Edo State Governor and urge him to desist from making divisive and incendiary remarks,” Ellis-Ezenekwe said.
He also accused the governor’s statement of exposing a deeper bias against the Igbo people in Nigerian politics.
“This situation reflects a broader malaise, a toxic mix of ignorance, arrogance, and a misguided sense of authority. These are among the evils that continue to plague our nation.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. This latest outburst is not merely about Peter Obi, it exposes the deep-rooted animosity towards the Igbo people. It highlights the very forces that have long held Nigeria and its citizens hostage.”
The statement also drew parallels with other recent political developments, including the continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and similar actions taken against Peter Obi in other states.
“Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention without conviction. Now, Peter Obi is being unjustly targeted and restricted. Just a few months ago, a similar scenario played out in Benue State, where the Governor, a Reverend Father, took comparable steps.”
The group concluded by asserting that the panic among certain political elites is a reflection of the growing influence of new political movements gaining traction across the country.
“We understand the underlying fear. It is the kind of panic that grips those who lack popular support. Governor Okpebholo recognises the growing momentum of the new coalition movement, and Peter Obi has become its most visible and credible symbol, possibly representing a coalition under parties like the ADC.
“Rather than fear the movement, the Governor should respect democratic principles and focus on delivering good governance. History will not be kind to those who suppress dissent or stoke division for political gain,” the statement concluded.
