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Okpebholo’s remarks against Obi dangerous assault on democracy – CSOs

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Three civil society organisations have condemned the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over a viral video where he threatened Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

The groups, ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) described the Governor’s remarks as dangerous, undemocratic, and a clear threat to peace and political freedom.

In the video, Governor Okpebholo was heard telling his supporters that Mr. Obi should not enter Edo State without his permission.

“His security will never be guaranteed… Whatever happens to him, he will take it… I am the new sheriff in town,” Gov Okpebholo said while addressing party supporters during the defection of a federal lawmaker to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The organisations said such statements are unacceptable, especially coming from a sitting Governor whose duty is to protect all citizens, regardless of their political views.

“These are not offhand political jests. They constitute a direct threat to the life and liberty of a fellow citizen. More disturbingly, these remarks come from a sitting Governor whose primary constitutional responsibility is to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors within his state, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic origin, or belief.

“Such a public display of intolerance, authoritarian bravado, and politicisation of state power should deeply worry every Nigerian and every international stakeholder who invested in the survival of democratic governance in Nigeria.”

They warned that the Governor’s words could incite political violence and intimidate opposition voices ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

“Mr. Peter Obi, like every Nigerian, has the right to move freely, express his opinion, and associate with any political group. No Governor or politician has the right to stop him or any other citizen from exercising these rights.

“Saying ‘your security will not be guaranteed’ suggests that the Governor is using the state’s security forces for political purposes. This is a serious warning sign that the security agencies are no longer neutral and it also goes against Nigeria’s commitment to protect people’s rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” the group said in a statement jointly signed.

The civil society organisations also raised concern that this is not the first time Mr. Obi has faced threats while visiting a state.

They recalled a similar incident in Benue State in April 2025.

They called on Governor Okpebholo to publicly withdraw his statement and apologise.

“We want the Governor to take back his words and assure Nigerians that everyone, regardless of political party, is safe in Edo,” they said.

They also called on the Nigeria Police and the State Security Service to investigate the threat and protect political figures facing intimidation.

The group’s further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take note of the development and include it in its election risk assessments for Edo.

Finally, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was asked to launch an investigation into the matter.

“Nigeria’s democracy is imperfect, but threats like this bring us closer to its total derailment. Governor Okpebholo’s statements are not mere political rhetoric; they represent a clear and present danger to democratic peace, political pluralism, and the rule of law in Nigeria. We remind the Governor and all public officeholders that power is held in trust, not as an entitlement, and that democratic societies thrive on competition, not coercion,” the groups concluded.

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“It Was Sweet Blue Candy” – Hon Doguwa debunked rumour he’s a drvg add!ct

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He said, “The claim that I was taking drvgs or p;lls is nothing but the work of the d£vil and my political en3mies. What was actually in my mouth was just sweet blue candy.”

Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa is a Member of the House of Representatives representing the Tudun Wada/Doguwa Federal Constituency in Kano State under the All Progressives Congress (APC)..

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ALAOJI PLANT RETURNS TO NATIONAL GRID

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Alaoji Plant Returns To National Grid

 

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company has restored the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State after it remained shut for three years.

The facility had stopped operations due to gas supply problems, debt issues and disagreements over metering.

The company said the return of the plant is expected to improve electricity supply and strengthen power generation in the country.

The shutdown had affected output from the national grid for more than 36 months.


Officials explained that efforts were made to resolve the long-running disputes and stabilise gas supply before restarting operations at the plant.

The restoration is also expected to support businesses and industries relying on stable electricity.


The Alaoji facility is one of the major power plants in the country and plays a role in boosting energy distribution across several regions.

Its return comes as authorities continue pushing for better electricity generation nationwide.

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𝗛𝗢𝗡. 𝗧𝗢𝗦𝗞𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗡𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗞𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦, 𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗜𝗛𝗜𝗔𝗚𝗪𝗔, 𝗢𝗕𝗜𝗕𝗜𝗘𝗭𝗘𝗡𝗔, 𝗘𝗭𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗗𝗢, 𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗔𝗠, 𝗢𝗞𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗛𝗜, 𝗨𝗠𝗨𝗚𝗨𝗠𝗔, 𝗔𝗩𝗨 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦: 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

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Hon. Sir Tochukwu Okere(TOSKA), Member Representing Owerri Federal Constituency, has strongly condemned the incessant gruesome killings, kidnappings, rapes and violent attacks carried out by unscrupulous and criminal elements terrorizing communities within Owerri Federal Constituency, especially in Ihiagwa, Obibiezena, Eziobodo, Emeabiam, Okolochi, Umuguma, Avu and other neighbouring communities.

The recent killings of vigilante operatives and innocent constituents at Umuguma and Ihiagwa call for urgent and deterrent response by our security agencies.

In a passionate motion raised before the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Okere called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and relevant security agencies to immediately deploy adequate security personnel to the affected communities and take decisive actions against the worsening insecurity threatening the lives and properties of his people.

According to him, the continuous attacks on harmless villagers, farmers, women and youths can no longer be tolerated under any guise.

“I urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently look into this motion and act swiftly before more innocent lives are lost. Our people deserve to live and to live in peace without fear of being kidnapped, raped or butchered in their own communities,” Hon. TOSKA stressed.

The lawmaker further emphasized that the people of Owerri Federal Constituency will not fold their arms and watch criminals continue to unleash terror across Ihiagwa, Obibiezena, Eziobodo, Emebiam, Okolochi, Umuguma, Avu and other communities while families continue to mourn their loved ones daily.

This courageous move by Hon. Sir Tochukwu Okere has continued to attract commendations from constituents who describe his intervention as timely, bold and people-oriented.

Hon. Okere is the light and the voice of Owerri Federal Constituency.
May God keep him to keep standing for us and for our interest.

 

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