Key Takeaways
- Former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom condemned the blockade of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi from visiting the Yelwata community.
- Ortom explicitly accused current Governor Hyacinth Alia of orchestrating the incident, citing a profound disrespect for the rule of law.
- The former governor challenged Governor Alia, a Catholic priest, to swear by the Bible that he was unaware of the events.
- Former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, a national leader of the NDC, called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those involved.
- Dickson emphasized that no Nigerian citizen, particularly a presidential candidate, requires permission to visit any state within the federation.
A significant political uproar has gripped Benue State following the alleged obstruction of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi's visit to the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area. Former Governor Samuel Ortom has vehemently condemned the incident, directly accusing the incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia of orchestrating the blockade and demonstrating a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
Speaking on a recent 'Politics Today' programme, Ortom expressed profound disappointment, stating that the incident was a stark reflection of the current political climate in Benue. He lamented that a clergyman, who should uphold truth and justice, was allegedly involved in actions that contradict these principles. “In Benue State, we have a government that does not believe in the rule of law. We have a government in Benue State that is out for lawlessness,” Ortom asserted, questioning the direction the state is heading if its leaders fail to respect established legal frameworks.
Ortom went further, challenging Governor Alia, a Catholic priest, to publicly swear by the Bible that he was unaware of the events that transpired. “Can he come out and swear by the Bible that he claims to be a reverend priest and say that he was not aware of what happened yesterday? It was a deliberate attempt. He did it,” Ortom alleged, underscoring his conviction that the governor was directly complicit. He also referenced past incidents, including allegations that Alia had previously used 'thugs' to remove a Chief Judge and block his office, suggesting a pattern of disrespect for institutions.
Meanwhile, former Governor of Bayelsa State and national leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson, echoed the condemnation, calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of all individuals involved. Speaking on Arise TV's 'Newsnight', Dickson described the incident as 'criminal' and 'rascality of the highest order', emphasizing that such actions are intolerable in a democratic society. He stressed the importance of establishing the extent of complicity, especially given allegations of government officials' involvement.
Dickson highlighted the constitutional right of every Nigerian citizen to move freely within the country without requiring permission from any state authority, particularly for a presidential candidate during official campaign periods. “No Nigerian citizen, by our Constitution and our laws, needs anyone’s permission or approval to visit a state,” he affirmed, warning that allowing such blockades to go unpunished could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging attacks on candidates nationwide.
The NDC leader confirmed that the state chairman had duly informed the Commissioner of Police about Obi's visit, making the police the chief law enforcement officer aware of the planned activities. He expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by the party but noted that preventative measures should have been in place. Dickson indicated that a formal petition would be sent to the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation, urging even the President of the country to intervene and uphold the democratic order.
Why This Matters
This incident in Benue State underscores critical challenges to Nigeria's democratic process, particularly concerning the rule of law, freedom of movement, and fair political campaigning. The alleged involvement of a state governor in obstructing a presidential candidate's legitimate visit sends a chilling signal about the erosion of democratic norms and the potential for political intolerance to undermine the integrity of future elections. Upholding constitutional rights and ensuring accountability for such actions are paramount to safeguarding Nigeria's democratic institutions and fostering a truly free and fair political landscape.