The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called for calm and constitutional adherence following the recent verbal clash between Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Governor Okpebholo had reportedly stated that Mr. Obi must obtain clearance before entering Edo State — a position NAPS has strongly criticised as unconstitutional and politically provocative.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, the NAPS National President, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, reminded all parties that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every Nigerian the right to move freely within the country.
“The Nigerian Constitution does not grant any governor the authority to restrict the lawful entry of a fellow citizen into a state,” Oghayan said.
Quoting Section 41(1) of the Constitution, NAPS emphasised that only in matters of public safety, morality, or health — as outlined in Section 45 — can such rights be lawfully limited. It stressed that those limitations must be legally justified, not politically driven.
“Governor Okpebholo, as the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, can request coordination, not demand clearance. In a democracy, security courtesy must never be mistaken for constitutional compulsion,” the association stated.
The students’ body urged both political figures to de-escalate tensions and prioritise peace, good governance, and the welfare of Nigerians above personal or political interests.
“Edo remains the heartbeat of the nation, not a battleground for political point-scoring,” NAPS warned. “What Nigeria lacks are not politicians, but leaders who speak with consistency, act with integrity, and uphold the truth — however inconvenient — as a form of loyalty to the people.”
NAPS concluded with a stern appeal to both Governor Okpebholo and Mr. Obi to rise above partisanship and reaffirm their commitment to peace, order, and national unity.
Comments