(In Nigeria) Well-known Activist Aisha Yesufu Slams Edo Governor for Threatening Peter Obi Over Visit

 

Aisha Yesufu, a well-known activist and advocate for good governance, has strongly criticized the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, over his recent comments directed at Peter Obi. Governor Okpebholo had warned Obi not to visit the state again without seeking permission from the government, suggesting that Obi's security could not be guaranteed otherwise. The governor’s remarks were interpreted by many, including Yesufu, as a direct threat to Obi’s safety. In an appearance on Channels Television’s Breakfast Show, Yesufu condemned the governor’s statement, expressing disbelief at what she described as a dangerous and authoritarian mindset. She questioned what authority Okpebholo believes he has to grant or deny any Nigerian citizen access to a part of their own country. According to her, Nigeria is a democracy and no governor has the right to demand security clearance for citizens to travel within the nation. She emphasized that Edo State does not belong personally to the governor or his administration, describing it as a state that belongs to the Nigerian people. Yesufu added that while the governor may be the current leader of the state, it does not grant him ownership or the authority to control who visits or not. Aisha further warned that the governor’s remarks bordered on threatening the life of a political figure, which should not be taken lightly. She accused the state government of trying to spin the story by issuing a follow-up statement downplaying the threat and claiming it was only a request for coordination and security planning. For Yesufu, the message was clear: no Nigerian should be made to feel like they need permission to be anywhere in their country.

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The clash between Governor Monday Okpebholo and Peter Obi has sparked fresh concerns about political intolerance and threats to freedom of movement in Nigeria. The warning from the Edo governor comes at a politically sensitive time, as parties prepare for upcoming elections and political figures intensify grassroots engagement across various states. Obi’s popularity as a former presidential candidate and his growing national presence have made his visits to different states a matter of attention and sometimes tension. Governor Okpebholo’s statement, which appeared to suggest that Peter Obi needed the state’s permission to enter Edo, was quickly criticized by civil society voices, including Aisha Yesufu. Many argue that such comments reflect an unhealthy and undemocratic mindset among political elites who treat states like personal territories. Yesufu’s reaction has amplified public scrutiny over the issue, stressing that political leadership does not equate to personal ownership of a state. The governor's team attempted to clarify that there was no threat intended, stating that the call for security clearance was simply to ensure safety. However, critics say that the language used and the manner in which it was delivered clearly implied a threat, especially when security guarantees were withdrawn if Obi didn’t seek prior approval. This has led to increased calls for the governor to retract his statements and respect constitutional freedoms. The incident raises serious questions about the protection of political figures across state lines and the broader implications for freedom of movement and expression in Nigeria. With mounting political activities ahead, many fear that more confrontations like this could arise if not checked. The Nigerian constitution guarantees all citizens the right to move freely across the country, and any deviation from this is seen as dangerous for democracy.

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