Governors’ Threats and the People’s Outcry
- And it came to pass in those days, that a new fire was kindled throughout the land, yea, even among the rulers of the provinces, whose tongues became as serpents, and whose words were as arrows that did pierce the hearts of many.
- On the eighteenth day of the seventh month, in the year of our Lord, the Governor of Edo State, whose name was Monday and was called Okpebholo, did raise his voice with stern commandment unto Peter, who was called Obi. Verily, he proclaimed that Obi must first humble himself and seek “security clearance” at his hands, ere he set foot within the borders of Edo. This mandate was declared soon after Obi’s visit to the College of Nursing, where he had bestowed gifts and aid upon those in need.
- And the Governor spake thus: “Behold, since thy coming hath been made known, there hath arisen in this land a grievous tempest of violence and strife, wherein three souls have been rent from the earth. As Chief Security Officer of this state, I hold the charge of peace and order, and thou shalt not enter without mine assent.”
- Upon hearing these words, there went forth a mighty cry from the multitudes, yea, from all corners of the realm. The voices of the righteous and the advocates of justice did ascend as a chorus against this threat. Among them stood the men of Global Rights, who denounced the Governor’s speech as “inciteful and unconstitutional,” demanding a swift and public recantation. They called upon the assembly of governors and the leaders of the All Progressives Congress to renounce such declarations, for they trespassed against the God-given and constitutionally enshrined liberty of every man to traverse the land freely.
- And lo, Osita, surnamed Chidoka, once a Minister over the airways of the realm, did also lift up his voice in warning. He did decry these threats as the creeping engendering of lawlessness and the erosion of democratic order, recalling days of old when men of opposing counsel were forbidden to speak or campaign, and the land descended into chaos and ruin.
- Moreover, it was uncovered that these menacing proclamations were not without precedent, for Hyacinth, called Alia, Governor of Benue, had in the month of April likewise declared against Peter Obi, forbidding him to visit the camps of the displaced without first seeking leave, citing the dangers of their troubled times.
- And the people did pour forth their indignation, especially upon the digital scrolls, railing against the governors’ words as a dire affront to the sacred principles of freedom, and a bitter reminder of the days when tyrants held sway o’er the land. They questioned: “How may there be a true federal republic, if the rulers of provinces may fence in the people and deny their passage at will?”
- Yet from the house of Edo came a voice in defense, saying the Governor’s words were not of menace but a call to observe the customs of safety in these days of travail. Nevertheless, Jarret, named Tenebe, who sat as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Edo, did openly align himself with Okpebholo, declaring that a great and deep hatred against Peter Obi dwelt within the hearts of some, thus making necessary the decree that Obi obtain permission before entering the land.
- Thus the chapter closed with voices both raised and divided, the land in turmoil, and the question of freedom and authority hanging heavy in the air like a cloud before the tempest.
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