*Alerts international Community
The vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Musa Kwankwaso, Tuesday expressed sadness over a blockade and attack on the convoy of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Makurdi, Benue State.
Obi was in the state to pay a sympathy visit to some communities recently attacked by armed terrorists where over 200 persons reportedly lost their lives.
But, as soon as he entered Makurdi, the state capital, armed thugs allegedly led by someone said to be an aide to Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the state governor, blocked the road with some thugs and asked Peter Obi to go back and not wanted in the state.
However, reacting to the incident, Kwankwaso lamented such a descent to anarchy by unidentified persons and called for their arrest and prosecution.
He said: “I am deeply disturbed by the attack on the convoy of our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as he travelled to Benue State.
“The deliberate mobilisation of unruly elements to block and attack his convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi marks another dark day for our democracy.
“Authorities must remember that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of movement. This right applies even more strongly to Mr Obi, a former governor and leading opposition figure.
“The Benue State Government must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that those responsible are swiftly identified and prosecuted. It must also guarantee the safety and free movement of our candidate and his entourage.
“I further urge the President to caution state governors, particularly those in his party against any actions that could undermine the sanctity of our democracy.
“I also call on the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation groups, to take note of this incident and to urge Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders, and safeguard democratic freedoms -RMK”.
