An ardent supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Tom Steve, has demanded the arrest of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, following his recent trip to Edo State amid rising political tension.
In a series of posts shared on his verified X account, @stevetom788, Steve urged authorities to move swiftly against Obi, citing what he described as a breach of a security directive allegedly issued by the Edo State Government. His comments came shortly after reports surfaced of an alleged attack linked to Obi’s visit.
According to Steve, Obi had previously been cautioned against entering Edo State without obtaining security clearance. He characterised the visit as a deliberate act of defiance and claimed to have formally notified the Edo State Government, requesting that a petition be forwarded to the Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police Force for Obi’s immediate arrest and questioning.
Steve argued that the directive attributed to Governor Monday Okpebholo, requiring prior notification before Obi’s entry into the state, was lawful and binding. He maintained that disregarding such an instruction amounted to a direct challenge to constituted authority and undermined democratic governance. In his view, no individual, regardless of political stature, should consider themselves above the law.
However, in earlier remarks reacting to the reported unrest in Edo, Steve employed highly provocative language, suggesting that Obi was fortunate to have escaped harm. He also referenced a possible visit by the former governor to Rivers State, using statements widely interpreted as threatening. The comments triggered swift backlash from opposition supporters and civil society voices, who described them as inflammatory and inciting.
Beyond the call for arrest, Steve criticised Obi’s political history, accusing him of opportunism and alleging a pattern of aligning with political platforms only to depart during internal disputes. He contrasted Obi’s trajectory with that of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he praised for remaining within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during challenging periods and working to strengthen its position.
Concluding his remarks, Steve offered prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while asserting that Obi would not emerge as president.
The controversy is rooted in earlier statements by Governor Okpebholo, who had warned that Obi’s safety could not be assured if he entered Edo State without prior notice to the state authorities. Those remarks had drawn criticism from opposition figures and civil society organisations, who argued that the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement and political participation.
Despite the warnings, Obi — a former presidential candidate and prominent opposition leader — has continued his nationwide engagements.