JUST IN: “It’s Either Liberty or Death!” — Kenneth Okonkwo Blasts Tinubu Over State of Emergency Threats

Veteran Nollywood actor and Labour Party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has stirred the political hornet’s nest with a bold declaration in response to perceived threats by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to impose a state of emergency on any Nigerian state.

In a statement that has since gone viral, Okonkwo said:

“If I am a Governor, and Tinubu threatens me with a state of emergency in my state as the elected chief executive, I will never leave that Government House. It’s either they give me liberty or death.”

The fiery comment comes amid growing tensions between the presidency and several state governors, especially in opposition-led states, where federal intervention is increasingly seen as political overreach.

While Kenneth Okonkwo did not mention a specific incident, many observers believe his remarks are a veiled reaction to the face-off between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and political forces backed by the presidency, which at some point sparked talks of federal interference.

Okonkwo, known for his outspoken political views since joining the Obidient movement under Labour Party, did not mince words as he defended the sanctity of state autonomy and the authority of democratically elected governors.

According to him, threatening a state of emergency is nothing short of tyranny masked in constitutional clothing.

“It’s not about the PDP, APC, or Labour Party anymore. It’s about the principle of democracy. If a president threatens a sitting governor with a state of emergency, he’s threatening the very foundation of our federal system,” Okonkwo insisted.

Social media erupted following the statement, with #KennethOkonkwo, #LibertyOrDeath, and #TinubuStateOfEmergency trending on X (formerly Twitter).

Nigerians across the political spectrum are debating the implications of his comments—some praising him for his bravery, others accusing him of inciting rebellion.

While Aso Rock is yet to officially respond, political insiders suggest that Okonkwo’s words may further strain already fragile relations between the center and certain states.

The question now being asked is: Can the presidency truly impose a state of emergency without triggering a constitutional crisis?

One thing is clear — Kenneth Okonkwo is not backing down from what he believes is a moral stand against dictatorship in a democracy.

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