OLISA METUH URGES TINUBU TO CALL GOVERNORS TO ORDER OVER RESTRICTIONS ON CITIZENS’ RIGHTS

Read Time:2 Minute, 20 Second

By Aishat Momoh. O.

Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, has called on President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors against what he termed undemocratic restrictions on the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

Metuh made the appeal in a Facebook post on Sunday while reacting to recent remarks by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who insisted that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, must obtain security clearance before entering the state.

Governor Okpebholo had made the controversial statement during a political gathering where he received a former federal lawmaker, Marcus Onobun, into the All Progressives Congress (APC). He linked Obi’s recent visit to Benin City where he donated N15 million to a nursing school with an outbreak of violence in 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,” the governor said.

Condemning the statement, Metuh described the governor’s position as an abuse of power and a violation of democratic norms and individual liberties guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

“I have been recuperating from a spinal procedure, but have just read the disturbing news that the elected Governor of Edo State, who is otherwise a decent and distinguished senator, has banned a fellow Nigerian from visiting his state,” Metuh wrote.

He also referenced a similar situation involving a governor from the North Central region, warning that such actions risk becoming dangerous precedents if left unchecked.

“While one understands the zeal to prove loyalty to our president, it is incontrovertible that these acts completely go against the bedrock of democratic governance and the constitutionally guaranteed inalienable rights to freedom and liberty—irrespective of political beliefs or associations,” he said.

Metuh urged President Tinubu to dissociate himself from such unconstitutional practices and uphold the inclusive values he promoted during his time as Governor of Lagos State.

“We remember the Governor Bola Tinubu who ran a widely acclaimed all-inclusive government and made Lagos home for all Nigerians,” he noted.

He further lamented the silence of many political elites on the issue, attributing it to political self-interest.

“Sadly, so many of our leaders have kept mute either on account of political correctness or fear of reprisals, exclusion from political appointments, or in pursuit of material benefits,” Metuh stated.

He concluded with an appeal to President Tinubu to “check this very disturbing trend by calling these governors to order,” and ensure that Nigeria remains a nation where the rights and freedoms of all citizens are respected.

“Let Nigeria truly belong to all citizens, and may all persons be accorded their freedom and liberties across the land,” he added.