By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has condemned in strong terms the recent statement credited to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, warning Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, not to enter the State without his permission.
The Governor’s comments, issued on Friday, have sparked widespread outrage. He reportedly threatened that Obi should be prepared to face the consequences if he defied the directive a remark the Ohanaeze Youth Council described as a direct threat to the former Anambra State governor’s life.
In a statement titled “An Urgent Call for Action”, issued on Saturday by the group’s National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the Ohanaeze youths said the governor’s words amount to an “assassination threat” and are totally unacceptable in a democratic society.
“It is alarming that a sitting governor, a supposed symbol of democratic governance and former legislator, would utter such reckless and dangerous remarks against a fellow citizen,” Okwu stated.
He warned that the implications of such a threat should not be taken lightly: “If anything untoward happens to Mr. Peter Obi, the world now knows who to hold responsible.”
Okwu called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately intervene by reprimanding Governor Okpebholo, stressing that silence from the presidency would only embolden further undemocratic actions.
“This dangerous trend started with the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, whose inflammatory remarks were unbecoming of his pastoral background. Now, another APC governor has taken it a step further by threatening Mr. Obi directly. We urge President Tinubu to rise to the occasion and take decisive action,” the statement read.
The Group also urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to guarantee the safety of Mr. Obi and reassure all Nigerians of their right to move freely and safely within the country.
Beyond National action, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council called on the international community, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, to place a visa ban on Governor Okpebholo.
“He has exposed himself as a threat to democracy, an intolerant leader who cannot accommodate opposing views. This is not just an attack on Peter Obi but an affront to the entire Igbo nation,” Okwu declared.
The Group emphasized that such inflammatory rhetoric could endanger Nigeria’s fragile democracy, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“A visa restriction will serve as a deterrent to others who may resort to inciting and provocative statements aimed at suppressing democratic participation,” Okwu added.
