The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Saturday, condemned what it described as a shocking and unacceptable threat issued against Mr. Peter Obi, and demanded immediate action from the presidency as well as visa sanctions from the United States and the United Kingdom against Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.

It recalled that Governor Okpebholo had warned Obi on Friday not to step into the state without his approval, vowing that if he did otherwise, he should be prepared to face whatever he found in the state. The threat has continued to generate reactions across the country.

Reacting to the development, the National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, in a statement titled “An Urgent Call for Action,” described the governor’s statement as an “assassination threat” against Mr. Obi.

Okwu said that it was shocking for a sitting governor to use such words on a fellow citizen of Nigeria.

He further urged Nigeria’s security agencies to ensure Obi’s safety and that of all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations.

He said, “It is unbecoming of a sitting governor, and someone who was a parliamentarian, the main symbol of the country’s democracy. We consider it reprehensible and utterly debasing that a sitting governor could publicly dish out this threat against an innocent citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Let us make this loud and clear- the Edo governor’s threat against the life of Mr Peter Obi is considered an assassination threat, and we are not taking it lightly. Should anything happen to Mr Peter Obi, the entire world knows who to hold responsible.

“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths Worldwide is calling on the Nigerian Government led by President Bola Tinubu to rise to the occasion and call the Edo State governor to order. We urge the presidency to publicly condemn the governor’s action, as we know it is not in the character of Mr President to condone such behaviour.

“This reckless action was started by Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, a man who ordinarily by virtue of his vocation should be a father to all, but has been beclouded by political braggadocio. Now, his fellow APC governor has even issued worse threats.

“This is why we urge the Tinubu government not to keep silent in the face of this provocative statement. We call on the police hierarchy and the DSS to reassure not just Mr Peter Obi but all Nigerians of their safety in any part of the country.”

Okwu also called on the international community to impose visa restrictions on Governor Okpebholo.

Okwu added, “He has given himself out as an undemocratic element, one who is not ready to allow dissenting voices. We consider this a threat against the entire Igbo race and not just Peter Obi. Why is it that every now and then, it is about Peter Obi? Is he the only opposition politician in Nigeria? Enough is enough!

“It is, therefore, our appeal that the United States, the United Kingdom and all their allies should place an immediate visa ban on the governor of Edo State.

“As Nigeria soon heads to the 2027 general elections, this will serve as a deterrent to others who may make provocative and inciting statements capable of derailing the country’s democracy.” (The Guardian)