Paragraph 1: Senator Abaribe’s Alarm and Condemnation
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Senate Minority Leader and current chair of the South East Senate Caucus, has vehemently denounced what he perceives as a grave constitutional breach and an outright threat to the safety of Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki. Senator Abaribe’s condemnation stemmed from Governor Obaseki’s alleged imposition of movement restrictions on Peter Obi within Edo State. The Senator, through his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, expressed profound apprehension over what he termed an “unconstitutional overreach” by the governor, warning against potential repercussions and expressing concern over the apparent slide towards lawlessness in the country.
Paragraph 2: The Constitutional Argument Against Movement Restrictions
At the heart of Senator Abaribe’s argument lies the fundamental right to freedom of movement guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen under the 1999 Constitution. He emphasized that Governor Obaseki lacks the legal authority to prevent any Nigerian citizen from entering or moving freely within Edo State. The Senator stressed that Nigeria operates as a constitutional democracy where the rights of all citizens are sacrosanct and must be upheld. He expressed disappointment that leaders entrusted with upholding the constitution are seemingly undermining its principles for political gain.
Paragraph 3: The Dangerous Precedent and Threat to Democracy
Senator Abaribe cautioned that Governor Obaseki’s actions could set a dangerous precedent, jeopardizing the very foundation of Nigeria’s democratic ideals. He questioned the governor’s authority to dictate who can and cannot visit Edo State based on his personal whims. The Senator highlighted the implicit threat to Peter Obi’s safety embedded in the governor’s statement, arguing that such pronouncements should not be taken lightly by the authorities. He labeled the situation a disturbing indication of escalating lawlessness, urging swift intervention to prevent further deterioration.
Paragraph 4: A Reminder of Constitutional Principles and the Spirit of Federation
Senator Abaribe reminded Governor Obaseki, a former Senator himself, of the constitutional principles that should underpin leadership and governance, particularly in a diverse federation like Nigeria. He emphasized that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens and that no individual, regardless of their political office, has the right to usurp the constitutional rights of others. The senator underscored the importance of freedom of expression and movement as essential pillars of a functioning democracy, rights that extend to all parts of the federation, including Edo State.
Paragraph 5: The Broader Implications for Democracy and Rule of Law
The incident involving Governor Obaseki and Peter Obi raises critical questions about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria. It underscores the potential for political power to be misused to suppress dissenting voices and restrict fundamental freedoms. Senator Abaribe’s strong condemnation of the governor’s actions highlights the importance of vigilance in upholding democratic principles and ensuring that political leaders are held accountable for their actions. This incident also brings to the forefront the need for continuous engagement in civic education and the reinforcement of constitutional values within the Nigerian polity.
Paragraph 6: The Call for Accountability and the Protection of Fundamental Rights
Senator Abaribe’s call for intervention by authorities echoes the demand for accountability and the protection of fundamental rights within the Nigerian political landscape. The incident underscores the need for strong institutions capable of checking the excesses of political power and safeguarding the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. This episode serves as a reminder that the preservation of democracy requires constant vigilance and a collective commitment to upholding constitutional principles. The incident also highlights the importance of a robust and independent judiciary to ensure the impartial interpretation and application of the law, thereby safeguarding the foundations of a just and democratic society.
