‘It’s Igbo hatred’ – Kenneth Okonkwo blasts Edo governor over Peter Obi threat

Nollywood actor and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, has blasted Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for threatening to stop former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from entering the state.

Okpebholo had reportedly warned that Obi would not be allowed to visit Edo without his clearance, a statement that has sparked outrage.

Reacting during an interview on Arise TV, Okonkwo described the governor’s remarks as “a direct attack on Ndigbo” and an exhibition of ethnic bigotry.

“I sense tribalistic and ethnic bigotry from this Edo Governor. If Peter Obi were a leader from Hausa Land or Yoruba Land, this governor would not dare make such a statement. It’s a direct threat to Igbo people and an exhibition of Igbo hatred,” Okonkwo said.

He argued that the Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of movement and association for every citizen, stressing that no state governor has the legal power to deny anyone entry.

“Every citizen of Nigeria, irrespective of status, has the right to move freely in Edo State. What the governor said is unconstitutional, illegal, and irresponsible,” he stated, citing Sections 39 and 40 of the constitution, which protect freedom of expression and association.

Okonkwo further alleged that the ruling party was using governors to intimidate opposition leaders like Obi, warning that such actions undermine democracy.