Nollywood actor and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo has slammed the Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo over his threat to Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party.
Okonkwo while speaking in an interview on Arise Television said that he senses ethnic and tribalistic bigotry in the threat issued to Obi by the governor.
Recall that Okpebholo had issued a warning to Peter Obi against visiting the state.
The governor who spoke to some of his women supporters said Obi would not be allowed in the state without clearance from him.
However, reacting to this, Okonkwo said if Obi were to be from the Northern or Yoruba extraction, Okpebholo would not have had the audacity to make such a discriminatory comment.
“I sense tribalistic and ethnic bigotry from this Edo Governor. If Peter Obi were a leader from Hausa Land or Yoruba Land, this governor would not dare make such a statement.
“It’s a direct threat to Igbo people and an exhibition of Igbo hatred,” Okonkwo said.
He further stated that the constitution allows every citizen of Nigeria to move freely throughout the country and has the choice to reside in any part they wish to.
“And no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or denied entry thereto or exit therefrom.
“If you put into context with Edo State, it simply means that no citizen of Nigeria can be expelled from Edo State or denied entry into Edo State or exit therefrom
Okonkwo noted that every citizen of Nigeria irrespective of status has the right to move freely in Edo State.
“So what the governor said is unconditional, it is illegal, it is irresponsible and it is largely illiterate. Coupled with Section 39 which guarantees freedom of expression and Section 40 which guarantees freedom of association and Assembly.
“Having said that as a lawyer, let me talk as an opposition leader, this is a directed attack, threat, and intimidation of opposition leaders,” he said.
He added that the ruling party was using governors to threaten Obi because he is an opposition leader.