A group under the aegis of Concerned Edo Youths has condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo’s alleged threat against a United Kingdom-based social media activist, Albert Obazee.

The group, while addressing a press conference in Benin City, Edo State, described the statement as disturbing, unfortunate and unacceptable.

The group’s outrage was fuelled by a viral video in which Gov. Okpebholo, during an interview, was heard issuing what the group termed a threat against Obazee.

But in a swift reaction to the group’s allegation against the governor, the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, said the allegation was unfounded and reflects the PDP’s ongoing strategy of misinformation and political distraction.

In the online interview Okpebholo was alleged to have said,” Obazee will definitely go to prison except he doesn’t touch the soil of Nigeria.”

The Convener of the group, Comrade Gbale Joseph, stated that the governor’s threat to send Obazee to prison without stating any offence committed by the activist is a clear violation of human rights and a deviation from democratic principles.

They emphasized that the 1999 constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of expression, thought, association, and life.

They alleged that the Edo State government is trying to clamp down on dissenting voices using the apparatus of state to achieve narrow interests, adding that it negates the principles of democracy and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

“For the purpose of clarity the constitution remains the grand norm in which Governments all over the world operate on, and the 1999 constitution as amended provides and guarantees every Nigerian the rights to freedom of expression, thoughts, Association and right to life, which Albert Obazee is entitled to.

“We wish to advise the Governor to look beyond critics and focus on performance as the time is ticking very fast as Edo people are yet to experience his much talked about practical Governance because power is transient.

The APC in the signed statement by its publicity Secretary, Peter Igbinigie stated that at no point did Governor Okpebholo issue any such threat.

He further added that what the Governor has done and will continue to do is speak firmly against the culture of impunity, blackmail, and cyberbullying being weaponized by politically sponsored actors who operate under the guise of activism, often from outside the country. (Daily Independent)