A recent political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, has ignited controversy after Edo State Governor, Mr Monday Okpebholo, reportedly issued a stern warning to former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
Governor Okpebholo allegedly stated, "There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me.
“His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”
This pronouncement has drawn sharp criticism from human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), who chairs the Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond (ASCAB).
In a statement issued today, July 20, 2025, Falana condemned the governor's remarks as a direct violation of fundamental human rights.
Falana highlighted that the alleged threat to Mr Obi's life infringes upon Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, both of which guarantee every citizen's fundamental right to life.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which mandates that the security and welfare of the people be the primary purpose of government, Falana urged Governor Okpebholo to immediately withdraw the threat, issue a public apology to Mr Obi, and assure him of his safety within Edo State.
Falana further advised that if Governor Okpebholo, due to “sheer arrogance of raw power,” fails to withdraw the “illegal threat,” Mr Obi should promptly file an application in the Benin Judicial Division of the Federal High Court to enforce his fundamental right to life.
He stressed the urgency of such action given the prevalence of mob justice and other forms of extrajudicial killings in Nigeria.
All rights reserved. The content on this website, including text and other digital materials, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of The News Accelerator Network.
For advertising inquiries, news coverage, or press releases, please get in touch with us at
📧 thenewsacceleratornetwork@gmail.com
📞 0805 101 7159, 0814 404 8512.
Post a Comment