By Henry Shield
Your Excellency,
I write to you, not as a political actor, but as a Nigerian deeply alarmed by your recent outburst targeted at Mr. Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections. Your words – warning him to “take whatever he sees” if he dares to enter Edo State – are not only reckless and unbecoming of your office, but they are a direct threat to our fragile democracy, to national unity, and to peace.
Let’s be clear: No state in Nigeria is a governor’s personal property. You were elected to govern, not to conquer. Your office is an administrative responsibility, not a war trophy. For you to issue a veiled threat of violence against a Nigerian citizen – one whose only ‘offence’ is daring to engage with his supporters – is both unconstitutional and dangerous. It reeks of autocracy, insecurity, and desperation.
Have we now degenerated into a country where opposition voices must seek clearance to travel within their own homeland? Is the Edo State Government House now a barracks from which travel advisories are issued against perceived political rivals? When governors begin to threaten citizens with violence for exercising their freedom of association, movement and expression, we must all know that tyranny has arrived through the backdoor.
Your statement is not just an embarrassment; it is a national security threat. You have, with one reckless outburst, invited violence, enabled intolerance, and placed political partisanship above the peace and stability of your state. If anything happens to Peter Obi or any of his supporters in Edo State, it will be on your head, and we will hold you solely accountable.
Let me remind you, Governor, that democracy thrives on dissent. That Peter Obi still commands the love and loyalty of millions – especially youths – should not threaten you or your party. It should challenge you to do better. It should make you reflect on the kind of leadership that inspires, not the kind that coerces.
This is not about Peter Obi alone. This is about the sanctity of our democracy. If a sitting governor can threaten a former presidential candidate, what protection exists for the ordinary citizen?
I therefore call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to publicly and unequivocally rebuke this dangerous precedent. The President must remind state actors that Nigeria remains a democratic republic and that no Nigerian – no matter their political persuasion – should be harassed, intimidated, or threatened for exercising their constitutional rights.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, withdraw your words. Apologise to Mr. Peter Obi, and to the good people of Edo State whose image you have tarnished by playing the petty tyrant. Nigerians should not be provoked. Our silence is not powered by fear, we are citizens who can stand gallantly and defend our rights in the face of provocation.
Power is transient, but the consequences of reckless leadership are eternal.
Thank you.
Hon. Shield is Head of Mission, Leadership and Accountability Initiative, Abuja
