Former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, has strongly criticized Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for threatening Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Chidoka described the governor’s comments as a serious threat to democracy in Nigeria. He said leaders should protect citizens’ rights, not try to silence or block them from speaking or traveling freely.

Governor Okpebholo had earlier warned Peter Obi not to enter Edo State unless he received official permission. Chidoka said this kind of warning shows a dangerous attitude, where some state governors are beginning to act like they own their states.

He called this behavior “territorial authoritarianism,” where state leaders try to control who enters their state or what they do, even when the constitution allows freedom of movement.

Chidoka reminded Nigerians that this is not the first time such a thing has happened. Back in April, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State also told Peter Obi not to visit IDP camps without approval. The reason given was security concerns.

Chidoka warned that these types of threats are not only illegal, but also show that Nigeria is moving towards a situation where state leaders break the rules and behave like dictators in their regions.

He urged Nigerians to speak out against such actions and protect the country’s democracy and freedom of movement.