Former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, has urged President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors against imposing undemocratic limitations on citizens’ constitutional rights.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Metuh rebuked Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for demanding security clearance from Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, before allowing him to enter the state.
Okpebholo’s warning followed Obi’s recent visit to Benin City, where he donated ₦15 million to a nursing school. The governor linked the visit to a spike in violence, stating:
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 m. Where did he get it from?
After he left, three people were killed.
For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.”
Metuh, who is recovering from a spinal procedure, expressed alarm at the governor’s declaration, calling it a threat to democratic principles:
“I have been recuperating from a spinal procedure, but have just read the disturbing news that the elected Governor of Edo State, who is otherwise a decent and distinguished senator, has banned a fellow Nigerian from visiting his state.”
He cautioned that such actions set a dangerous precedent and should not become normalized, drawing a parallel to a similar incident in North Central Nigeria:
“Whilst one understands the zeal to prove wholesome support and loyalty to our president, it is incontrovertible that these acts, completely go against the bedrock and grundnorm of democratic governance, and are antithetical to the constitutionally guaranteed inalienable right to freedom and liberty irrespective of political beliefs or associations.”
Metuh further appealed directly to President Tinubu, reminding him of his legacy of inclusivity as Lagos State governor:
“We remember the Governor Bola Tinubu who ran a widely acclaimed all‑inclusive cabinet/government, and made Lagos home for all Nigerians then.”
He warned that the political elite’s continued silence on such actions could erode Nigeria’s democratic fabric:
“Sadly, so many of our leaders have kept mute either on account of political correctness or for fear of personal reprisals or possible exclusion in the sharing of political appointments or perhaps in their quest for plain material benefits.”
The former PDP spokesman concluded with a direct appeal to the president:
“Let Nigeria truly belong to all citizens and may all persons be accorded their freedom and liberties across the land,”
adding: “check this very disturbing trend by calling these governors to order.”
