Makinde calls for investigation into blockade of Obi’s convoy in Benue

Makinde calls for investigation into blockade of Obi’s convoy in Benue
By Benjamin Samson
Abuja

Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has condemned the unwarranted obstruction of the convoy of the Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), and former Governor of Anambra state, Mr. Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue state.

Accordding to the party, the incident, in which Mr. Obi’s convoy was obstructed by a group of suspected state-sponsored thugs on his way to Yelwata to visit families affected by the tragic killings in the area, is deeply disturbing and totally unacceptable.

A statement Wednesday by Anthony Ehilebo, a media aide to the Presidential Candidate of the APM, Engr. Seyi Makinde, said it is particularly worrisome that this targeted attack came barely 24 hours after Mr. Obi joined other notable opposition leaders to show solidarity with Makinde, at the inauguration of the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office on Monday.

He said section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen of Nigeria the freedom to move throughout the country and reside in any part thereof, adding that section 40 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freely assemble and associate.

“We therefore find the statement credited to the Benue State Government, that the NDC Presidential Candidate did not seek prior permission from the state government before his visit, completely unacceptable and condemnable.
“Let us make it clear: every Nigerian, presidential candidate or otherwise, has a constitutionally guaranteed right to enter, live, and move freely within any state in Nigeria to conduct legitimate activities without prior permission or notice,” he said.

He added that setting up roadblocks and engaging thugs to stop opposition candidates have no place in a constitutional democracy.

He called the Nigerian Police to immediately commence a full-scale investigation into the incident and bring the culprits to book in the interest of the nation’s democracy.

“As a campaign, we remain committed to a peaceful electoral process; however, we state clearly that we shall not be deterred or cowed by the antics of those who seek to make peaceful participation impossible,” he added.