Renowned social critic and advocate of good governance, Aisha Yesufu, has criticised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for warning the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, against visiting the state without prior approval.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Breakfast Show on Monday, Yesufu questioned the governor’s authority to demand security clearance from a private citizen, describing his actions as undemocratic and unconstitutional.
Her comments follow Governor Okpebholo’s controversial statement warning that Obi’s security could not be guaranteed if he entered Edo State without notifying the state government.
The governor insisted that Obi must seek prior approval before visiting, a position that has sparked public outrage.
Responding to the development, Yesufu accused the governor of acting beyond his powers, stating that Edo State is not his personal property.
“I don’t know what gave the governor the audacity to think he can grant security clearance to any Nigerian visiting Edo State,” she said. “Edo State is not his family estate. He may be the current governor, but that does not give him the authority to decide who can or cannot be in the state.”
She also described the governor’s comments as a veiled threat to Obi’s safety.
“He said it clearly and loudly — that Obi’s security would not be guaranteed if he visited without permission. That is a direct threat to his life. Even though the state government later tried to water it down by claiming it was about security coordination, the message was clear,” she added.
Yesufu further warned against what she described as a dangerous trend of state governors overstepping their constitutional limits and attempting to wield powers they do not legally possess.
Governor Okpebholo’s remarks have drawn widespread criticism, with many Nigerians condemning the politicisation of state security and urging leaders to uphold the rule of law and citizens’ rights to freedom of movement.
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