A civil society organization, Leadership & Accountability Initiative, has submitted a formal petition to the United States and United Kingdom embassies, seeking a visa ban on Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and his immediate family. The move follows a controversial statement made by the governor, which the group described as a direct threat to former presidential candidate and opposition leader, Mr. Peter Obi.
In the petition dated July 21 and titled “Petition for Visa Ban on Senator Monday Okpebholo and His Family Over Threats to Democratic Opposition Figure”, the group called attention to what it described as a “grave threat to democratic stability and political coexistence” in Nigeria.
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Governor Okpebholo had warned Mr. Obi against visiting Edo State, declaring ominously, “Whatever he sees, he should take.” The group condemned the remark as a blatant act of intimidation, an abuse of office, and a violation of Obi’s constitutional rights, including freedom of movement and political association.
“This is not just a reckless comment; it is a dangerous escalation that could incite political violence and undermine Nigeria’s fragile democracy,” the petition read. “Such utterances from a sitting governor signal state-backed hostility towards opposition figures.”
The petition also referenced a similar recent incident in neighboring Benue State, where Governor Hyacinth Alia reportedly warned Mr. Obi against entering the state without clearance. The group sees this as part of a troubling pattern designed to intimidate and isolate opposition voices.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana also weighed in, calling the governor’s remarks unconstitutional and advising Mr. Obi to pursue legal action if the threat is not withdrawn with an apology.
Despite public outrage, Governor Okpebholo has stood by his words, citing security concerns in Edo State. He further justified his stance by referencing a past incident involving Obi and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai during the 2013 Anambra elections.
The civil group insists that the international community must take the matter seriously. “We urge your governments to act swiftly and impose targeted visa restrictions on Governor Okpebholo and his family to send a clear message that democratic suppression will not be tolerated,” the petition concluded.
