Abuja, 18 July 2025 – The Obidient Movement has issued a stark warning over what it describes as “dangerous rhetoric” from Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, accusing him of undermining Nigeria’s constitutional freedoms and risking national unity.
In a press release dated today, the movement expressed deep concern over Governor Okpebholo’s alleged admonition to Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, not to enter Edo State without prior notification. The group highlighted that such statements violate Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees every citizen the right to move freely and reside in any part of the country.
“This is therefore disturbing and constitutionally indefensible for Governor Okpebholo to threaten or seek to restrict this fundamental right,” the release stated, emphasising the potential for such utterances to incite division or violence.
The Obidient Movement drew parallels to a previous incident involving Mr Obi in Benue State, where he faced a similar warning from the local governor. In that case, the release noted, Mr Obi was engaged in humanitarian efforts, providing support to neglected citizens through missions of goodwill and charity. “This is not an isolated incident. We recall a similar threat previously issued by the Governor of Benue State against His Excellency Mr. Obi,” it said, pointing to an emerging pattern that endangers the fabric of the nation.
The group urged Nigerians and the international community to remain alert to these threats, arguing that they should not be dismissed lightly. “Nigerians should know where to look. These governors are the chief security officers of their respective states, and their utterances carry weight – not just in words, but in potential consequences,” the statement continued.
Further, the movement called on well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against this descent into political intolerance and highly politicised recklessness. “Nigeria belongs to all of us. No individual, no matter how highly placed, should attempt to fan the embers of division or incite violence with careless, unlawful rhetoric,” it warned.
Signed by Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communications for the Obidient Movement, the release concluded with a plea for unity and adherence to the rule of law, amid ongoing political manoeuvring in the country.
The Obidient Movement, which emerged from supporters of Mr Obi’s 2023 presidential bid, has positioned itself as a advocate for good governance and national cohesion. This latest statement comes as political tensions simmer in several states, with figures like Governor Okpebholo, who assumed office recently, facing scrutiny over their public pronouncements.
