Lawyer: No Governor Can Bar Nigerians From Entering Any State Without Legal Basis

A human rights lawyer says the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to move freely and live in any part of the country. He cited Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 12 of the African Charter, which protect freedom of movement and residence, subject only to lawful and justifiable restrictions. Reacting to the controversy over Peter Obi’s planned visit to Benue State, he argued that a governor cannot deny any Nigerian entry into a state simply because prior notice was not given. He said restrictions must be backed by a valid law, court order, or genuine public-security necessity. He urged public officials to respect the Constitution and called for an apology if Peter Obi’s movement was unlawfully curtailed.

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