Newz— Says those who stopped Obi couldn’t stop killings in Benue By Chioma Obinna LAGOS — The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has condemned the reported blockade of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, while attempting to enter Benue State. HURIWA described the incident as “lawless, reckless and misdirected”, questioning the circumstances surrounding the reported confrontation and the decision to prevent Obi from proceeding into the state. In a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the organisation said the incident was particularly troubling because Obi was reportedly visiting communities affected by attacks to commiserate with victims.
The group said: “The mob that stopped Peter Obi failed to stop terrorists killing innocent Benue people.” HURIWA argued that attention should instead be focused on addressing insecurity affecting communities across the state. The organisation also questioned whether adequate security arrangements had been made to ensure the safety and free movement of Obi and his entourage. “We condemn the Benue State Government for permitting this lawlessness and we also blame the Federal Government for not deploying sufficient armed security forces to facilitate the passage of Peter Obi into Benue State,” HURIWA said.
However, the organisation did not provide evidence linking the Benue State Government directly to the reported blockade. HURIWA recalled that Obi had previously encountered opposition while attempting to visit communities affected by insecurity in the state. It argued that citizens, including political leaders, should be able to visit communities affected by violence, subject to legitimate security considerations.
“There is no known law allowing any government at the subnational or national level to prevent a Nigerian citizen from enjoying the constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of movement, association and information,” the group stated. HURIWA also questioned the basis for preventing Obi from entering the state, asking whether the governor had the authority to determine who could enter Benue. The rights group criticised what it described as the misplaced priority of confronting a politician visiting victims of attacks while insecurity remains a major concern in the state.
*Calls on Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to immediately investigate this incident, bring the perpetrators to justice By Henry Umoru ABUJA- THE Leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has condemned in very strong terms what it described as the shameful attack and obstruction of its Presidential candidate ahead of next year’s election, Peter Obi, by suspected hired thugs in Benue State today. In a statement on Tuesday by the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, the party noted that it will not be deterred, as it will persist until the party restores the fundamental responsibility of government: the protection of every Nigerian’s life. The NDC has called on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to investigate the incident immediately, bring the perpetrators to justice, and guarantee the safety of all citizens and leaders who seek to show solidarity in times of grief.
The statement read, “According to reports, the group was allegedly led by an aide to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Armed with dangerous weapons, they blocked Mr. Obi’s convoy and prevented him from gaining entry into Yelwata community, where over 270 people were reportedly massacred.
Summary from source