…Group says restriction violates constitutional rights, urges Tinubu to act
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the recent directive by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, insisting that the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, must obtain “security clearance” before visiting the state.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the recent directive by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, insisting that the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, must obtain “security clearance” before visiting the state.
The group described the order as a dangerous erosion of democratic rights, stressing that it has no legal basis and undermines the constitutional freedom of movement guaranteed to all Nigerians.
CHRICED, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Dr Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said the governor’s remarks, which came during a political event to receive federal lawmaker Marcus Onobun into the All Progressives Congress (APC), were laced with unfounded claims linking Obi’s planned visit to a recent outbreak of violence in the state, including the killing of three persons.
According to the group, “These accusations were made without any credible evidence, and they unfairly target a key political figure in a manner that undermines the rule of law.”
The rights group also drew attention to what it described as an emerging pattern of intolerance within the ranks of the APC, citing past comments by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, and the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, warning against visits by opposition leaders without prior clearance.
“It is troubling to see state power being deployed as a tool to suppress political opposition,” the statement read. “This trend not only contravenes Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement, but also sets a dangerous precedent.”
CHRICED argued that governors are not gatekeepers to the states they govern and should not act as such. The group noted that these same governors often claim they lack control over federal security agencies, yet conveniently assume the role of “Chief Security Officer” when it suits their political interests.
The organisation called on Governor Okpebholo to immediately withdraw the directive and reaffirm his commitment to democratic values.
CHRICED also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rein in what it called the “authoritarian posturing” of some APC governors, warning that such conduct threatens the country’s democratic credentials.
It further called on the judiciary, civil society organisations, and the wider public to resist any move aimed at shrinking the democratic space.
“Democracy is not the exclusive right of those in power—it belongs to all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
“Nigeria belongs to us all. The Constitution—not political fear-mongering—must prevail.”