Kenneth Okonkwo Slams Edo Governor Over ‘Threat’ to Peter Obi

Nollywood actor and constitutional lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, has criticized Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State for making what he described as a threat to the life of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Okonkwo, speaking during an interview, condemned the governor’s statement and labeled it an “insult” to the entire Igbo race. He insisted that Okpebholo had no legal authority to demand clearance from Obi before visiting Edo State, and warned that the governor should be held accountable if anything happened to him.

“When you finish beating a madman, that’s when you know he has people. If a strand of hair falls from Peter Obi, then you will know he has kinsmen. This is a direct attack and threat to his life,” Okonkwo said.

He continued, “Remember, the governor made it clear. He said Obi’s security can no longer be guaranteed. He used the word ‘never’, if Obi does not get permission from him. Let me ask Monday Okpebholo: does it mean that when he finishes as a governor, before he travels to any state in Nigeria, he would have to seek the permission of all the governors of that state?”

Okonkwo referenced constitutional provisions and insisted that no Nigerian needs permission to visit another state, even for protests. “That is offensive,” he stated. “I reject his action with everything that is within me.”

Quoting from Shakespeare, he added, “You know, that is what Julius Caesar said in Julius Caesar. He said that we have men above me that are fat, sleek-headed men, such as Monday Okpebholo who has a leaner, hungry look. They think too much of themselves. He said such men are dangerous. I’m telling you, if you go to his office, you will not even see him. He should stop it!”

When asked by one of the anchors to maintain decorum, Okonkwo retorted, “What decorum has the Governor maintained by threatening the life of a Nigerian citizen? What decorum did he maintain by saying what he said?”

Okonkwo vowed to take legal action if Governor Okpebholo fails to apologize publicly to Obi. “If the Governor does not apologize, I will be on his case,” he declared.

In response to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary claiming the words were taken out of context, Okonkwo dismissed it as a “belated damage control.” He also accused the governor of lying, referencing a speech where the governor allegedly mocked Obi’s philanthropic efforts, saying he doesn’t “give shish” but is “giving N15 million.”

He emphasized that political differences do not justify personal threats. “Everybody has one’s style of doing things. I have my own style. If you disagree with him, as I do at times, leave him to do his own thing, his own way. He is entitled to his freedom.”

Okonkwo further encouraged Obi to respond to such threats and not ignore them. “The Benue State Governor did almost the same thing and Obi kept quiet. And now this Governor has repeated it.”

On the claim that Obi should have followed “protocol,” Okonkwo fired back: “What protocol is it? Do you need permission to go to any state? Does Obi appear to you as a man that can threaten anybody’s life?”

When asked about similar comments by Edo APC Chairman Jared Tenebe, Okonkwo refused to respond. “Sorry, I don’t give credence to people like that. Because they are just seeking relevance. He is as inconsequential as his face looks. Please, next question.”

Concluding, Okonkwo accused Governor Okpebholo of tribal bias. “The Governor wouldn’t have tried this with a leader from Hausa or a leader from Yoruba land. And I mean it. The other time Northerners were killed in Edo, he ran to Kano to prostrate.”

“I sense tribalism and ethnic bigotry. The Governor has shown he is an Igbo hater. His threat against Obi was a direct attack against Ndigbo. He is petty and largely unintelligent.”

VANGUARD