Kenneth Okonkwo Slams Edo Governor, Calls Remarks on Peter Obi an Ethnic and Constitutional Disgrace [VIDEO]

Nollywood veteran and Labour Party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has fired back at the newly elected governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, over his recent controversial remarks regarding Peter Obi’s presence in the state. The outspoken actor turned politician did not mince words while addressing the governor’s statement, calling it not only unconstitutional but also a veiled attack against the Igbo ethnic group.

The controversy erupted after Governor Okpebholo allegedly stated that Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, must obtain security clearance before stepping foot in Edo. He went further to claim that the last time Obi visited, three individuals tragically lost their lives, implying a direct correlation between Obi’s presence and the unfortunate incident.

Reacting strongly to this development, Kenneth Okonkwo labeled the governor’s statement as an affront to democracy and a blatant disregard for the constitutional rights of every Nigerian citizen. He suggested that such a declaration, coming from a state governor, not only displayed ignorance but also bordered on ethnic bias.

Referring to the Nigerian Constitution, Okonkwo emphasized that Section 41 categorically allows every citizen the right to move and reside freely in any part of the country. He explained that no Nigerian, regardless of status or background, should be compelled to seek permission from a state governor before visiting any region within the country.

Quoting directly from the law, Okonkwo stated, “Every citizen of Nigeria shall be entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and reside in any part thereof. No citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or denied entry into or exit from it.” He stressed that this provision applied equally to Edo State, meaning that Peter Obi or any Nigerian cannot lawfully be denied access to the state.

Critics of the governor’s statement have argued that his remarks appear to reflect a larger issue of ethnic stereotyping, especially when such sentiments are not typically directed at leaders from other regions. Okonkwo echoed this sentiment by suggesting that Okpebholo would not dare to issue such a directive toward a political figure of Hausa or Yoruba origin.

Drawing on Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution, Okonkwo reminded the public and the governor that citizens are also entitled to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. He warned that curtailing these rights under the guise of security concerns not only undermines democratic values but poses a threat to unity in the country.

“The governor’s comment is not just unconstitutional. It’s illegal, it’s irresponsible, and frankly, it’s illiterate,” Okonkwo said. “There is no law that gives any governor the authority to restrict the movement of citizens within the country.”

He also suggested that Okpebholo’s statement was less about security and more about political posturing, adding that such remarks are usually made by individuals seeking public attention without offering any meaningful contribution to national discourse.

“Sorry, I don’t give credence to people like that because they are just seeking relevance,” Okonkwo remarked with evident frustration. “He is as inconsequential as his face looks.”

This sharp criticism has drawn reactions from political analysts and civil rights advocates, many of whom support Okonkwo’s position that such comments are dangerous and potentially inciteful. They argue that the politicization of freedom of movement and ethnic profiling must be addressed urgently to preserve the fragile unity of the nation.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party has not officially responded to the governor’s remarks or Okonkwo’s rebuttal. However, sources within the party indicate that they view the development as a deliberate attempt to discredit Obi’s popularity in the South-South region, especially as Edo prepares for its own governorship election.

Public reaction remains mixed. While supporters of Peter Obi praise Okonkwo’s bold defense, others caution that political tensions should be de-escalated rather than inflamed. Regardless, the debate highlights growing concerns about how power is exercised at the state level and the potential implications of unchecked rhetoric from public officials.

As the political climate intensifies, one thing is clear – Kenneth Okonkwo has made it known that neither Peter Obi nor any Nigerian will be intimidated into silence or isolation by unconstitutional threats.