Presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the reported obstruction of his movement in Benue State by youths, describing the incident as “very worrisome” and warning that political thuggery could push Nigeria towards anarchy.
Obi, who spoke after the incident, said he arrived Makurdi at about 3am on Tuesday on his way to Gwaza community to condole with families affected by recent killings in which more than 70 people were reportedly killed.
He said his visit was intended to enable him sympathise with the bereaved, show respect to the dead and identify with communities affected by insecurity as part of his ongoing presidential campaign activities.
According to Obi, his movement was blocked shortly after he attempted to leave Makurdi, with the youths allegedly chanting, “Peter Obi, go back! Peter Obi, go back!”
Expressing concern over the development, the former Anambra State governor said, “I was wondering, are we still in Nigeria? Or am I in another country?” He added that he deliberately remained calm to avoid a confrontation that could endanger lives.
Obi appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services and other security agencies to intervene and ensure that political actors are allowed to move freely during the campaign period. “This rascality cannot be allowed. We have a country,” he said.
He also urged political leaders to focus the election campaign on issues affecting Nigerians, including insecurity, kidnapping, hunger, poverty and unemployment, rather than confrontation and intimidation. Obi said he intended to visit communities across the country to understand the challenges confronting Nigerians.
The presidential candidate further appealed to youths not to allow themselves to be used for political violence, warning that those deploying them for such activities would not bear the consequences themselves. “People are using you to stop opportunities of building a better life for you,” he said, urging the government and political leaders to prevent the country from degenerating into anarchy.
