By John Moses
Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has sharply criticised the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebolo, over reported restrictions placed on former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, during his recent visit to Edo.
Abaribe, who currently chairs the South East Senate Caucus, described the incident as a grave constitutional breach and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic unity. In a statement issued in Abuja by his media adviser, Uchenna Awom, Abaribe said the governor’s actions represent “a brazen attack on the Constitution and an affront to national cohesion.”
He emphasised that no state governor possesses the legal authority to prevent a citizen from moving freely within Nigeria’s borders, noting that such actions contradict the principles enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
“It is disheartening that leaders, who are expected to uphold the Constitution, are actively undermining it for political reasons,” Abaribe said.
He warned that imposing movement restrictions on a Nigerian citizen — especially a prominent figure like Peter Obi — without lawful justification was dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
“Governor Okpebolo, a former lawmaker himself, should know that democracy thrives on freedom — including the freedom of movement and expression,” he added.
The senator called on national authorities to investigate the matter and ensure that constitutional rights are upheld across all states, warning that Nigeria’s democratic gains could be reversed by acts of impunity and political intolerance.
