Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Nollywood veteran and constitutional lawyer, Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo, has warned that Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State should be held responsible if any harm befalls the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi.
Okonkwo, who spoke during an emotional interview on Arise Television Monday morning, described the governor’s comments as a “direct threat” to Obi’s life and an insult to the entire Igbo race.
The actor-turned-politician, visibly incensed during the interview, lambasted Governor Okpebholo for suggesting that Obi required his permission to visit Edo State.
“When you finish beating a madman, that’s when you know he has people. If a strand of hair falls from Peter Obi’s head, you’ll know he has kinsmen. This is a direct attack and a threat to his life,” Okonkwo said.
He criticized the governor for declaring that Obi’s security could “never” be guaranteed without prior approval.
“Does this mean that when Governor Okpebholo leaves office, he’ll have to seek permission before entering another state? Should 200 million Nigerians seek permission before visiting any state? The law is clear: you don’t even need permission to hold a peaceful protest—how then can a governor demand permission to visit a state? That’s unconstitutional and offensive.”
Quoting Julius Caesar, Okonkwo likened the governor to one of Caesar’s lean and dangerous men: “He (Okpebholo) thinks too much of himself. If you go to his office, you may not even find him. He should stop this nonsense.”
When one of the anchors urged him to moderate his tone and maintain decorum, Okonkwo retorted: “What decorum did the governor show by threatening the life of a Nigerian citizen? What decorum are we talking about?”
He vowed to take legal action against Governor Okpebholo if he failed to issue a public apology to Obi.
“If the governor doesn’t apologize, I’ll be on his case.”
Reacting to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, who claimed the remarks were taken out of context, Okonkwo dismissed it as a “belated damage control attempt.”
“That only shows the malicious intent behind it all. He said Obi doesn’t give a ‘shish’ but is giving N15 million. Now they’re trying to lie to cover up their misconduct.”
While acknowledging that he sometimes disagrees with Obi, Okonkwo emphasized that no one has the right to threaten him.
“Everyone has their own way of doing things. I prefer discreet philanthropy due to my religious beliefs. Obi may choose a different approach—that’s his right. If you don’t like it, walk away. But threatening his life? That’s unacceptable.”
Okonkwo also recalled a similar threat issued by Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, warning that Obi must stop tolerating such infractions on his fundamental rights.
“Governor Alia said something similar, and Obi remained silent. Now this governor is repeating it. He needs to step up and fight back.”
Dismissing the argument that Obi failed to follow protocol, Okonkwo said:
“What protocol? Do you need permission to enter a state in Nigeria? Does Obi look like someone who poses a threat? He didn’t breach any protocol. This is all just political nonsense.”
Asked about even harsher comments made by Edo APC Chairman, Mr. Jarrett Tenebe, Okonkwo refused to dignify him with a response.
“I don’t give relevance to people like that. He is as inconsequential as his face looks. He’s just seeking attention. Next question.”
Okonkwo concluded that the governor’s comments amounted to ethnic bigotry and anti-Igbo sentiment.
“Would he say this to a Yoruba or Hausa leader? When Northerners were killed in Edo, he rushed to Kano to prostrate before Northern elders. But now he threatens Obi? I see clear signs of tribalism. Governor Okpebholo has shown he is an Igbo hater. His threat was not just against Obi—it was a threat against Ndigbo.”
