The Obidient Movement strongly condemns the threatening statement made by the APC Edo State Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, declaring that “Peter Obi can’t come to Edo without permission” and threatening that “we will smoke that person out.” This statement represents a direct assault on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATIONS
Mr. Tenebe’s statement at what appears to be a press conference , a video recording of which has since gone viral on the internet and social media platforms, constitutes multiple serious violations of Nigerian law:
Section 41 of the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian citizen the right to move freely throughout Nigeria without requiring permission from any individual or political party. The Court of Appeal in James v. Governor of Edo State established that even a Governor cannot restrict movement through verbal orders. An APC State Chairman has no such authority whatsoever.
Section 40 of the Constitution protects the right to peaceful assembly and political association. These threats seek to intimidate citizens from exercising their democratic rights to participate in political activities.
CRIMINAL AND CYBERCRIME VIOLATIONS
The threatening language used constitutes:
• Criminal intimidation under Nigerian criminal law
• Threats of violence punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment
• Cyberstalking under the Cybercrime Act, carrying penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of N25,000,000 for threats transmitted electronically
The viral nature of these threats on social media platforms amplifies their intimidating effect and brings them squarely within cybercrime legislation designed to protect citizens from digital age harassment.
LEGAL ACTION IMMINENT
The Obidient Movement is reviewing the situation and will not rule out pursuing comprehensive legal action including:
• Criminal prosecution in Federal High Court under the relevant legislation
• Constitutional enforcement proceedings to protect fundamental rights
• Protective orders to prevent further threats and intimidation
• Civil remedies for damages caused by these unconstitutional acts
We will not allow the normalization of political intimidation or threats against opposition figures. Nigeria’s democracy depends on the protection of every citizen’s right to participate in political processes without fear of violence or harassment.
SOLIDARITY WITH EDO OBIDIENTS
To our brothers and sisters in Edo State: The entire Obidient Movement stands in unwavering solidarity with you. No individual, regardless of political position, has the authority to restrict where Nigerians can travel or whom they can support politically.
We will be meeting you on the ground shortly. The constitutional rights of every Nigerian will be defended, and we will not be intimidated by threats from those who seek to undermine our democracy.
DEFENDING DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES
This is not about partisan politics—it is about defending the constitutional principles that guarantee every Nigerian’s freedom of movement, assembly, and political participation. When these rights are threatened, the entire democratic foundation of our nation is at risk.
The rule of law must prevail over the rule of intimidation. We call on all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to condemn these threats and stand firm in defense of our constitutional democracy.
CALL TO ACTION
We urge:
• Law enforcement agencies to investigate these threats immediately
• The judiciary to uphold constitutional rights without fear or favor
• Civil society organizations to join us in condemning political intimidation
• All Nigerians to reject the normalization of threats against political opposition
The Obidient Movement remains committed to peaceful, constitutional democracy. We will continue to exercise our rights as guaranteed by the Constitution, and we will use every legal means available to protect these rights for all Nigerians.
A New Nigeria Is Possible—and it will be built on the foundation of constitutional democracy, not intimidation and threats.
