Aminu Tambuwal condemns the reported obstruction of Peter Obi’s movement in Makurdi, Benue State.
Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has condemned the reported obstruction of the movement of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in Makurdi, Benue State.
Tambuwal described the incident as unacceptable, undemocratic and inconsistent with the principles of democratic politics, insisting that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to move freely across the country and participate in lawful activities without intimidation or harassment.
In a statement issued following the incident, Tambuwal said he condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the treatment allegedly meted out to Obi by a group of youths in Makurdi.
According to him, Obi is a Nigerian citizen, a former governor and the presidential candidate of a duly recognised political party and should therefore be allowed to move freely and carry out legitimate political activities anywhere in the country.
“Mr Peter Obi is a Nigerian citizen, a former Governor and the presidential candidate of a duly recognised political party. Like every Nigerian, he has the constitutional right to move freely throughout the country and undertake lawful activities without intimidation, harassment or obstruction,” Tambuwal said.
He stressed that the need to protect political freedom was even more important with political campaigns underway, arguing that all candidates must be allowed to travel across the country, meet with citizens, canvass for votes and present their programmes to the electorate.
Tambuwal warned that Nigeria’s democracy must not degenerate into a situation where political actors or their supporters determine who can enter a particular state, community or part of the country.
“Our democracy cannot descend into a situation where political actors or their supporters determine who may enter a state, community or any part of the country,” he said.
The former governor further urged political parties and their supporters to tolerate opposing views, stressing that political differences should never be used as justification for intimidation, violence or other forms of political brigandage.
He said political parties and candidates should compete based on their ideas, policies and programmes, while allowing Nigerians to freely determine their choice at the ballot box.
Tambuwal also called on the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security and law-enforcement authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He urged the authorities to identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.
“This kind of rascality must not be tolerated, irrespective of who is involved or which political party is affected. Today, it may be Peter Obi; tomorrow, it could be another candidate,” Tambuwal warned.
He emphasised that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and that every Nigerian must be able to move freely and participate in the democratic process without fear, intimidation or obstruction.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and every Nigerian must be free to move and participate in our democratic process without fear or intimidation,” he added.
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