.My comments rooted in security intelligence, moral responsibility- Gov
.As PDP condemns assassination attempt on Anambra guber candidate, Ezenwafor
.Demands arrest of assailants
.Police probe attack, seek public cooperation
Ibrahim Quadri, Lagos and Cyril Mbah, Abuja.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has asked Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to withdraw the threat against former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
During a public event on Friday, Okpebholo had warned that Obi must not visit Edo without prior security clearance, alleging that violence followed the LP leader’s last visit to the state.
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N15 million. 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,” Okpebholo had said.
However, in a statement on Sunday, Falana condemned Okpebholo’s utterances, saying they violate the 1999 Constitution.
“The threat to the life of Mr. Peter Obi issued by the “new sheriff in town” in Edo State, constitutes a violation of section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples (Ratification and Enforcement) which guarantee the fundamental right of every citizen to life,” Falana said.
“In view of section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which stipulates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, Governor Okpebholo should withdraw the threat, apologise publicly to Mr. Peter Obi and assure him of the safety of his life in Edo State.
“However, if Governor Okpebholo does not withdraw the illegal threat because of sheer arrogance of raw power, Mr. Peter Obi should proceed to file an application in the Benin Judicial Division of the Federal High Court to secure the enforcement of his fundamental right to life.
Mr. Obi should act with utmost urgency in view of the prevalence of mob justice and other forms of extrajudicial killings in the country.”
In the meantime, Governor Okpebholo has made clarification over Obi’s visit to Edo State, saying his comments are based on the need for discretion in public giving rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility.
This was contained in a statement signed by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
The statement read in part, “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Mr. Peter Obi to the State.
“It is imperative to state clearly that the Governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr. Obi, but rather emphasized the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the Governor before embarking on any public engagements within the State.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the Governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors alike. This duty includes ensuring that adequate security measures are put in place during high-profile visits or events that may attract large crowds or media attention.
When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats.”
Continuing, he noted, “Governor Okpebholo’s position is particularly relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics.
“Edo State has witnessed its share of these tragic incidents, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy in recent years.
Public donations made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions, while noble in intent, must be approached with caution and in full consultation with the appropriate security channels, to avoid exposing these institutions and their leaders to further danger.
“The Governor’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility.”
“Furthermore, the Governor’s concerns should not be twisted for political mileage by individuals seeking to score cheap points.
The State Government will not fold its arms and allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives.
We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.”
.As PDP condemns assassination attempt on Anambra guber candidate, Ezenwafor
.Demands arrest of assailants
In another development, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in the strongest terms the attempt on the life of its candidate in the November 8, 2025 Governorship election in Anambra State, Chief Jude Ezenwafor by gunmen who reportedly ambushed and opened fire on him in Abuja while he was returning from an appointment.
The party said in a statement signed by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary that after a critical analysis of the violent incident, it believes that certain interests who, ostensibly being uncomfortable with the growing popularity of the PDP candidate in Anambra ahead of the November election are desperate to prevent him from participating in the coming poll.
Continuing, the statement said, “Our Party has also been made aware of other plots by some anti-democratic elements in Anambra State to commence series of smear campaigns against our candidate following the failure of the assassination plot.
“This attack on the PDP candidate is another sad commentary on the alarming level of insecurity in the country under the overtly insensitive, corrupt and abysmally rudderless All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
‘In any event, our clear message to the assailants and their sponsors is that they have and will continue to fail in their evil machination as the PDP candidate is divinely destined. Our candidate enjoys the support of the people and will surely emerge victorious in the election.
“Our Party charges the Inspector General of Police to immediately apprehend the assailants and their sponsors while also beefing up security around the PDP candidate ahead of the election.
“The PDP family urges Chief Ezenwafor not to be dispirited by the attack. The fact remains that Anambra State is home to the PDP and no amount of attack, smear campaign or propaganda will sway the resolve of our Party, candidate and the people of Anambra State to elect a transparent, humane, people-oriented and result-driven administration on the platform of the PDP,” the statement said.
.Police probe attack, seek public cooperation
However, The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has said investigations are ongoing into the attempted assassination of the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate for the November 2025 Anambra election, Jude Ezenwafor, who was attacked by gunmen in Abuja on Friday night.
Ezenwafor was reportedly shot in both legs by yet-to-be-identified assailants near Wuse 2, Abuja, while returning from an engagement.
Two other persons were also said to have sustained injuries in the attack.
Speaking on the incident on Sunday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the command had not yet concluded its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
She called on the public to help in police investigation.
Adeh said, “The police command is yet to conclude investigations as touching the true position and situation surrounding the incident.
“While investigation is currently at top gear, individuals or persons with relevant information are advised to come forward and report to the nearest police station.
“Your cooperation will greatly assist our investigation and help ensure justice is served.”
Ezenwafor, who emerged unopposed as the PDP candidate, is currently receiving medical treatment at a private hospital, where doctors are reportedly preparing to carry out surgery to remove bullets from his legs.
Shortly after the attack, videos showing the injuries sustained by the politician surfaced on a PDP Anambra governorship campaign forum, with the victim thanking God for sparing his life.
An aide to Ezenwafor, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident but declined to provide further details, saying, “Yes, it happened. But it’s not something I want to talk about now, please.”
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political associates and support groups.
Reacting, a senatorial hopeful in the forthcoming August 16 Anambra South bye-election, Chinedu Nsofor, condemned the incident and offered prayers for national peace.
“I pray for divine intervention in our land. May the Almighty God protect every sincere leader and candidate from the snare of the wicked.
