By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – A group,  Concerned Edo Youths on Monday has condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo’s alleged threat against UK based social media activist, Albert Obazee.

 The group, addressing a press conference in Benin City, Edo State described the statement as disturbing, unfortunate and unacceptable.

 The group’s outrage was due to a video they claimed that went viral where they alleged that Governor Monday Okpebholo made the statement.

 But reacting to the group’s allegation against the governor, the All Progressives Congress, APC said the allegation is unfounded and reflects the PDP’s ongoing strategy of misinformation and political distraction

Okpebholo was heard  to have stated that “Obazee will definitely go to prison except he doesn’t touch the soil of Nigeria”.

 The  convener, Comrade Gbale Joseph, stated that the governor’s threat to send Obaze to prison without stating any offense is a clear violation of human rights and a deviation from democratic principles.

 He said that the 1999 constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of expression, thought, association, and life.

 “For the purpose of clarity the constitution remains the grundnorm in which Governments all over the world operate on, and the 1999 constitution as amended provides and guarantees every nigeria the rights to freedom of expression,thoughts, Association and right to life, which Albert is entitled to.

 “We wish to advise the Governor to look beyond critics and focus on performance as the time is ticking very fast as Edo people are yet to experience much talked about practical Governance because power is transient.

 The APC in a statement signed  by APC publicity  Secretary, Peter Igbinigie  said at no point did Governor Okpebholo issue any such threat.

 He further added that what the Governor has done and will continue to do is speak firmly against the culture of impunity, blackmail, and cyberbullying being weaponized by politically sponsored actors who operate under the guise of activism, often from outside the country.