By Emmanuel Iheaka
The Igbo Heroes and Icons Foundation has called on the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to identify and arrest within 24 hours the suspected thugs who allegedly prevented the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, from entering the state.
Obi was in Benue on Tuesday for what he described as a humanitarian visit to sympathise with families affected by the killings in Yelwata.
However, his convoy was reportedly blocked along the Makurdi-Gboko Road by youths carrying sticks and other objects, forcing him to turn back and proceed to Plateau State.
Reacting to the incident, the Igbo Heroes and Icons Foundation said it raised serious concerns about political tolerance, citizens’ fundamental rights and the responsibility of government to protect every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation.
In a statement, the group said: “Campaigns have commenced, but even beyond campaigns, every Nigerian has the constitutional right to freedom of movement.
“What makes this particular incident even more disturbing is that Mr Peter Obi said he was travelling to Benue to mourn with families who lost loved ones and to show solidarity with victims of the Yelwata killings.”
The group said no political disagreement should justify the use of thuggery, intimidation or violence to prevent a presidential candidate or any Nigerian from moving freely within the country.
It called on Governor Alia, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to ensure that the identities of those responsible for the alleged obstruction are established and that anyone found to have participated in the incident is brought before the appropriate authorities.
The foundation acknowledged the Benue State Government’s denial of involvement in the incident, saying this made an independent investigation even more necessary.
According to the group, “If the government of Benue State had nothing to do with this incident, then it should be the first institution demanding a transparent investigation and the arrest of those who carried out the obstruction.
“Government must not allow uncertainty and conflicting allegations to replace accountability.”
The group, through its representative, Nsofor, said the incident should concern every Nigerian because an alleged attack on the freedom of movement of a major political figure could have wider implications for ordinary citizens.
“If a prominent presidential candidate can be stopped on a public road by suspected thugs, Nigerians must ask themselves what protection is available to the ordinary citizen.
“Democracy cannot survive where political disagreements are settled through intimidation and physical obstruction,” Nsofor said.
The foundation urged Governor Alia to direct the appropriate security authorities to commence a transparent investigation, identify those responsible and arrest anyone found culpable where sufficient evidence exists.
It also urged the governor to reassure Obi and Nigerians that his safety and freedom of movement would be protected in Benue State.
The group further called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to ensure adequate protection for all presidential candidates and political actors as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
“We will not sit back and watch the fundamental rights of Nigerians being eroded. Political competition must be based on ideas, policies and the choice of the people—not intimidation, thuggery or coercion,” the statement read.
The foundation also appealed to the international community, civil society organisations and election observers to pay close attention to the conduct of political actors and security agencies as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 elections.
“The 2027 election must be an election in which Nigerians are allowed to choose their leaders according to their conscience. Nobody should be prevented from campaigning, travelling, engaging citizens or presenting an alternative political vision through the deployment of violence or intimidation,” the group said.
On the issue of the presidency and growing demands for greater political inclusion, the Igbo Heroes and Icons Foundation said Nigerians from every region should have a fair opportunity to aspire to the highest office in the country.
“Since 1999, Nigerians from different parts of the country have occupied the presidency through the democratic process. The South-East also deserves a fair and legitimate opportunity to produce the President of Nigeria through the ballot box.
“But that opportunity must be determined by competence, character, capacity and the free choice of Nigerians—not by coercion or suppression,” the group stated.
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