The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State Chapter, has in strong terms condemned the reported attack and disruption of the Presidential Candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, during his visit and political engagements in Benue State.
Bright Yima Antyo, the State Publicity Secretary, PDP, Benue State, in a statement, said the reported incident is not only reprehensible but deeply alarming.
It said the incident constituted a disturbing assault on the principles of democracy, political freedom and the right of citizens and political actors to move freely, assemble peacefully and express their political opinions without fear of violence, harassment or intimidation.
The PDP noted that Benue cannot and must not become a theatre of political violence. “Our State has suffered enough from insecurity and violence. The last thing Benue needs is the emergence of political thuggery and intimidation as instruments for controlling political space or silencing opposition voices,” the statement said.
“The PDP is particularly concerned by reports alleging that the attackers were linked to individuals sympathetic to the Alia administration. We are not prejudging the outcome of any investigation; however, these allegations are too serious to be dismissed, ignored or treated as mere political rhetoric. They demand an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation by the appropriate security authorities,” the statement indicated.
According to the statement, “if those responsible are found to have acted with the knowledge, encouragement, support or protection of politically exposed persons, the law must take its full course. Political affiliation, government position or personal connections must never constitute immunity from accountability.”
The said the responsibility for maintaining law and order rests squarely with the government and relevant security agencies. Every government has a solemn duty to protect the lives, dignity, property and fundamental rights of its citizens and visitors, irrespective of their political party, ethnic background, social status or ideological persuasion.
It is therefore unacceptable for any political actor or group to think that they can use violence or intimidation to determine who may enter Benue, who may hold political meetings, or who may express an alternative political opinion, the statement added.
The PDP called on the APC-led Benue State Government to immediately take concrete steps to guarantee the safety of all political parties, candidates, campaigners and citizens participating in legitimate political activities across the State.
We, specifically the PDP demanded:
- An immediate and transparent investigation into the reported attack on Mr. Peter Obi and the identification of all those involved.
- The prosecution of anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation, position or connections.
- Adequate security protection for all political parties and political actors conducting lawful activities in Benue State.
- An unequivocal public condemnation of political thuggery and intimidation by the State Government and all political stakeholders.
- Concrete measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents as the State moves deeper into an increasingly active political season.
The PDP reminded the Benue State Government that political power is temporary, but the institutions and democratic values we destroy today may be difficult to rebuild tomorrow.
