The Birthday of Peter and the Governors’ Vexation
Now, when Peter, the son of Obi, had marked his sixty and third birthday on the nineteenth day of the seventh month, his followers, the Obidients, did not feast with expensive wines and loud trumpets.
But rather, they took up the charge, and throughout all the provinces of Nigeria, they gathered in small groups and went forth to minister unto the sick in hospitals, and to the children without fathers in orphanages.
They did distribute sustenance and garments to the needy, and they gave alms to the poor, following the counsel of their leader, who had taught them that true celebration lies not in excess, but in service and in giving back to the community.
And this act of service was much spoken of, for it demonstrated the deep commitment of his followers to the cause of a new Nigeria, even though the political season was yet far off.
Yet, the actions of Peter Obi did not go unnoticed by the rulers of the land, for his continued movement and influence did vex certain Governors in the King’s party.
For Okpebholo, the Governor of the land of Edo, did speak with a harsh voice on the eighteenth day of the seventh month, even before Peter’s birthday, and he declared, saying, “Let Peter, the son of Obi, henceforth seek clearance from me, the Chief Watchman of this territory, before he dares to set his foot upon the soil of Edo.”
For the Governor did claim, without the fear of God, that a spate of violence and the death of three souls did follow upon the heels of Peter Obi’s earlier visit and donation to a college of nurses in his state.
And this utterance of the Governor of Edo did bring forth a great clamour from the people, and from the scribes and the lawyers who understood the constitutional scroll.
For they cried out, saying, “Behold, this man doth seek to restrict the freedom of movement, even that right which is guaranteed unto every citizen! Is Nigeria now a collection of private kingdoms where a Governor is the gatekeeper of borders?”
And the words of the Governor were widely condemned by men of learning, who warned that such threats were a dangerous descent into civilian dictatorship, and a wicked attempt to stifle the opposition.
But the Governor Okpebholo was hardened in his heart, and he did repeat his warning, even doubling down, saying his concern was but for the security of the realm, yet his words did not pacify the angry populace.
For many did recall that Hyacinth, the Governor of Benue, had spoken similar words in the fourth month, warning Peter Obi not to visit the camps of the displaced without his prior leave.
Thus, the Governors, though clothed in the colours of democracy, did behave as petty tyrants, seeking to bar a citizen’s movement based on political enmity.