Former National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to intervene and call to order some state governors over what he described as undemocratic actions that threaten citizens’ constitutional rights.
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In a statement released while recuperating from a spinal procedure, Chief Metuh expressed dismay over reports that the Governor of Edo State, a former senator he described as “otherwise decent and distinguished,” had allegedly banned a fellow Nigerian from visiting the state.
“This is not the first time we are seeing such undemocratic conduct. A similar action was earlier reported from a Governor in the North Central zone,” Metuh noted.
He emphasized that while he understands the desire of some governors to display loyalty to the President, such actions are “incontrovertibly against the bedrock and grundnorm of democratic governance,” and violate the constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom and liberty, regardless of political views or affiliations.
Recalling President Tinubu’s democratic credentials, Metuh praised the President’s history of standing against military rule and defending democratic values. He also referenced Tinubu’s inclusive governance as Lagos State Governor, noting that Lagos under Tinubu became a safe haven for all Nigerians.
Metuh warned that the current actions of some governors, if unchecked, could tarnish those hard-earned democratic legacies.
He also criticized the silence of many leaders who, according to him, have chosen to remain mute out of “political correctness, fear of reprisals, or selfish pursuit of appointments and material gains.”
“These leaders must understand that the protection of our democracy, especially the preservation of liberty and life for every Nigerian, must supersede personal ambition,” he stated.
The PDP chieftain stressed that no citizen should be treated as a second-class Nigerian or have their fundamental rights subjected to the whims of any state authority.
In conclusion, Chief Metuh called on President Tinubu, as the father of the nation and chief custodian of constitutional democracy, to take decisive steps to end what he termed a “disturbing trend.”
“Let Nigeria truly belong to all its citizens, and may all persons be accorded their freedom and liberties across the land,” he declared.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
