- The caucus asserted that Obi’s philanthropic and humanitarian gestures nationwide reflect his humanity and empathy for the people, transcending political affiliations, ethnicity, and other divides.
The Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives has described as satanic and unconstitutional the threat to the life and security of Mr. Peter Obi, by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The governor at an event in Benin, the Edo State capital, had warned Obi, the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 general election, not to visit the state without his permission.
Reacting to the statement, the caucus, led by Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, decried the threats to Obi by Okpebholo and asked President Bola to call him to order.
The caucus asserted that Obi’s philanthropic and humanitarian gestures nationwide reflect his humanity and empathy for the people, transcending political affiliations, ethnicity, and other divides.
The LP lawmakers, in a statement by their leader, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, issued in Awka, strongly rebuked Governor Okpebholo, describing his remarks as “uncivil, unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unbecoming of a public servant in such a high office.
“Rather than being vilified or incited against, he should be commended for supporting human capital development in the nation.
“As a champion of democracy, nation-building, and sustainable development, Peter Obi deserves protection and support from all who share these values.
“What manner of example do we set for the younger generation, especially regarding public conduct, civility, respect for human rights and the rule of law, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?
“How do we fight violence in the land, if as leaders we openly encourage intolerance, bigotry, and anti-democratic tendencies, like the Edo State governor has publicly exhibited?
“Politics ought not be a game of life or death. And no one deserves to be harmed on account of his or her political beliefs or association. Politics of bitterness, pettiness, and violence should never be encouraged in a democracy, or by people who claim to be democrats.
“If Governor Okpebholo could make such inflammatory remarks in a public setting, one wonders what kind of inciteful rhetoric he might be using behind closed doors against opposition party members or perceived enemies of his party.
“It is instructive that Governor Okpebholo uttered his infamous and satanic verses against Peter Obi at the defection ceremony of Hon. Marcus Onobun, a House of Representatives member whom he had only days before threatened with the demolition of his house for allegedly harbouring cultists.
“It would be interesting to ask Governor Okpebholo if he would still go ahead to pull down Hon. Onobun’s country home — which he had marked for demolition — now that he has forcefully coerced him into his political party?
“In fact, it is only in these climes that a governor would glibly boast about insecurity in his state, as well as lie about the death of citizens, without providing any shred of evidence.
“We, therefore, urge President Bola Tinubu to call the Edo State governor to order. And hasten to warn that no harm should come to our leader, Peter Obi, anywhere in Nigeria or beyond.
“The other day, it was Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State; today it is Okpebholo of Edo. If the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) thinks it can use scaremongering to halt the ever-growing popularity of Mr. Peter Obi, they better think again.”
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