The Benue State Chapter of the Obidients Movement, while expressing deep concern over the obstruction of the Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi and his entourage during their visit to Benue State on Tuesday, September 8, urged security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
In a statement, Kengkeng Ati, on behalf of the Benue State Obidient Movement, stated that “regardless of political affiliation, every Nigerian has a constitutional right to peaceful movement, association and participation in public life”.
He also cautioned that “political disagreements must never become a justification for intimidation, obstruction or violence”.
According to the statement he issued, he called on “the security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation into today’s incident and make their findings public”.
He also asked “the Benue State Government to clarify its position on the incident and publicly reaffirm its commitment to peaceful political participation, calling on “all political parties, movements and supporters to reject violence, provocation and political intimidation”.
They insisted that rather than resort to violence or other acts of brigandage, the group called on “political leaders to resolve disagreements through dialogue and lawful democratic processes”.
According to them, “we are particularly concerned that thugs blocked the route of Mr. Obi’s convoy and confronted members of his entourage. These reports must be thoroughly investigated, and anyone found to have participated in unlawful conduct should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
“The incident also brings into sharp focus a growing concern among sections of the Nigerian public regarding the potential misuse of state-controlled security structures for partisan political purposes.
“As the debate over the establishment and deployment of state police continues, Nigerians must be assured that such institutions will not become instruments for political witch-hunting, intimidation or the suppression of legitimate political opposition.
“What occurred in Makurdi today, if not promptly and transparently investigated and decisively addressed, risks giving credence to precisely these fears.
“State security institutions must serve the people and protect constitutional rights—not become tools in the hands of political actors.
“We therefore call on the Benue State Government and all political actors to demonstrate leadership and restraint.
“Government institutions must remain neutral, protect the rights of all citizens and ensure that political competition does not degenerate into confrontation.
“Benue has suffered far too much from insecurity and violence. The people of the state deserve politics that prioritises peace, development, accountability and the protection of human dignity”.
They however, called on Benue citizens to remain peaceful and avoid retaliatory actions or inflammatory rhetoric.
“Democracy is strengthened not when we prevent those with whom we disagree from being heard, but when we create a society in which every citizen can participate peacefully and freely,” they stressed.
