THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the reported blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy while attempting to enter Benue State.
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the reported blockade of Peter Obi’s convoy while attempting to enter Benue State.
HURIWA described the incident as “lawless, reckless and provocative”, alleging that the youths involved may have been sponsored by political interests.
The group made its position known in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Tuesday in Lagos.
Obi, presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former governor of Anambra, was reportedly on his way to Benue to commiserate with victims of recent attacks in the state.
HURIWA said the incident was particularly disturbing because Obi had previously faced opposition when he attempted to visit victims of attacks in Benue.
The association alleged that the reported blockade raised concerns about Obi’s safety and accused the Benue State Government of failing to prevent the incident.
It, however, did not provide evidence establishing that the youths involved were sponsored by the state government.
HURIWA also criticised the Federal Government for allegedly failing to deploy adequate security personnel to ensure Obi’s safe passage into the state.
The association said security agencies had a constitutional responsibility to protect the rights of citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations.
“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,” it said.
HURIWA questioned why youths could allegedly be mobilised to block Obi’s movement but could not be similarly mobilised to assist in addressing insecurity and attacks affecting communities.
The group urged the youths involved to desist from actions capable of escalating political tension and threatening public safety.
HURIWA recalled that tension was reportedly recorded in Benue on Monday after a group of suspected thugs allegedly blocked Obi’s convoy along Gboko Road.
According to the association, Obi and members of his entourage were attempting to gain access into the state when the incident occurred.
It said eyewitnesses reportedly claimed that some members of the group wielded sticks and formed a blockade on the road.
HURIWA said details surrounding the incident, including the motive for the action and whether anyone sustained injuries, remained unclear.
It added that security operatives were reportedly at the scene as efforts were made to manage the situation.
The association called on the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs and Inspector-General of Police to uphold their constitutional responsibilities.
It urged the security agencies to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, warning that political violence could worsen tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
HURIWA also called for the investigation and prosecution of anyone found to have violated the law during the reported incident.
The association said political activities must be conducted peacefully and in accordance with Nigeria’s electoral laws.
It urged relevant authorities to ensure that citizens, including political candidates, could exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation or unlawful obstruction.
