By Our Correspondent
Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rein in some state governors whose actions he described as unconstitutional and undemocratic.
In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, Metuh expressed dismay over recent actions by certain governors, including the alleged barring of a Nigerian citizen from visiting Edo State.
He described the move as a gross violation of fundamental human rights and a dangerous precedent in a democratic society.
“I have been recuperating from a spinal procedure but was disturbed to read that the elected Governor of Edo State, otherwise a decent and distinguished senator, has banned a fellow Nigerian from visiting his state,” Metuh said. “We first encountered such undemocratic behaviour from a governor in the North Central zone.”
Metuh warned that such actions, even if rooted in political loyalty, contradict the fundamental principles of democratic governance and breach citizens’ inalienable rights to freedom of movement, association, and expression—rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
He urged President Tinubu to uphold his democratic legacy by resisting and reversing any emerging trend that undermines the nation’s constitutional order.
“We remember Governor Bola Tinubu, who built an all-inclusive government in Lagos and welcomed all Nigerians irrespective of their background,” he said. “These recent actions by some governors, if left unchecked, threaten to erode the very democratic principles you once fought so bravely to protect.”
Metuh also criticised what he termed the silence of many political leaders, attributing their reluctance to speak out to political expediency, fear of exclusion from appointments, or pursuit of personal gain.
“Sadly, many of our leaders have kept mute—perhaps out of political correctness or fear of reprisals. But beyond personal ambitions, the protection of our democracy and the rights of every citizen must remain sacrosanct,” he added.
The former PDP spokesman concluded by appealing to the President to act as a unifying figure and constitutional guardian.
“I most respectfully call on Mr. President, as father of the nation and chief custodian of our constitutional democracy, to check this disturbing trend and call these governors to order. Let Nigeria truly belong to all citizens, and let liberty be guaranteed in every part of our land,” Metuh stated.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
