When Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State stopped the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from entering Yenagoa to attend a rally organised by a political group known as The New Associates, reactions were mixed. Some Nigerians, citing political sensitivities and leanings, supported the move. Others — including this writer — raised concerns that the action, framed as a security measure, could set a dangerous precedent that might be replicated against others in similar or different contexts by other governors.
Explaining his decision and why he opposed the rally, Governor Diri stated that while his administration upholds the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, it must also safeguard the peace and security of the state. He said: “We cherish and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. However, as the chief security officer of this state, I must ensure the peace of Bayelsa is not disturbed by any external influence. Rivers and Bayelsa are sister states, and the situation in one affects the other.”
As it that was not enough, and in furtherance of the governor’s position, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo (SAN), filed a suit at the Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa. The court issued an interim order restraining Wike and others from holding the rally, pending the hearing of the substantive suit. The suit, listed under Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/133/2025, named The New Associates, George Turnah, and Minister Wike as defendants.
While this legal route appeared procedural, it nonetheless triggered constitutional debates, especially concerning freedom of movement and association guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.
Fast-forward to Benue State, a similar development has emerged. Governor Hyacinth Alia, through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, halted a planned humanitarian visit by Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party. Obi was scheduled to visit a nursing school in Gboko and several internally displaced persons camps. The statement from the Benue State Government noted that the governor was not expecting any “August visitor” and was engaged in high-level meetings. It also advised that any individual or group planning visits likely to attract public or political gatherings should reconsider, citing public safety concerns.
According to Obi, he had made several attempts — through Alia’s Aide-de-Camp — to reach the governor and notify him of the visit. However, there was no direct response until the statement was released on the day of his arrival. Obi further stated that the press release included specific details of his itinerary — information he said had only been shared with his ADC and security personnel — which led to concerns about coordination that may have affected his visit.
“I respect the Governor as a Reverend Father and would not normally make this public. But this pattern of obstruction is worrying,” Obi said.
He clarified that his mission was purely humanitarian and consistent with previous efforts before, during, and after the 2023 elections. He had just concluded a similar outreach in Bokkos, Plateau State, where he donated N7.5 million and met with displaced children. “This is not about politics. I don’t need a political reason to visit or support Nigerians in need,” Obi added.
In its statement, the Benue State Government emphasised that all visits to IDP camps require written clearance from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA). While this policy may be administrative, its timing in this case has raised legitimate concerns.
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This situation highlights a growing issue in our democratic journey: how constitutional rights — particularly freedom of movement and association — are interpreted and sometimes restricted at the subnational level. These rights are clearly enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and are fundamental to our democracy.
Whether it was Wike being stopped from attending a political event or Obi being prevented from carrying out humanitarian outreach, the trend is dangerous and troubling. It points to a potential erosion of civil liberties — a risk that should concern every Nigerian.
It is essential that elected leaders, particularly state governors, exercise their powers within the limits prescribed by the law. They are not above the Constitution, and their roles as chief security officers must not be used to curtail the rights of citizens in a manner that appears politically motivated or selectively enforced.
This is not just about Wike. It is not just about Obi. It is about the fundamental rights of every Nigerian. Today, it’s them. Tomorrow, it could be you. I won’t be surprised if, one day, I’m stopped from visiting my own village — Isiko.
Let the Constitution guide us. Let common sense and the rule of law prevail.
. Appolos, a seasoned journalist, writes from Abuja.
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