Politics
THE Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, Anambra State Branch, has strongly condemned the blockage and prevention of the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and his entourage from entering parts of Benue State to pay a sympathy visit to victims of recent banditry attacks.
In a statement issued in Awka and signed by Vincent Ezekwueme, Chairman, Chidi Mbah, Secretary, the organisation described the incident as anti-democratic act, insensitive, barbaric and a clear hallmark of political intolerance and man’s inhumanity against man.
“It is very pathetic and unfortunate that in a democratic government, a citizen of this country was prevented and obstructed from entering a part of the country to commiserate with fellow citizens in distress,” the statement read.
“It is instructive to note that freedom of association and freedom of movement are inalienable rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These rights must be safeguarded, protected, and respected by all authorities and citizens alike.”
Commendation for Restraint and Professionalism:
The CLO commended the maturity, humility and sense of responsibility exhibited by Peter Obi, his entourage and supporters in the face of provocation.
The organisation also applauded the relentless efforts of the Nigeria Police Force whose timely intervention restored peace and brought the situation under control without any recorded casualty.
Appeal to Youths and Authorities:
The CLO has therefore appealed to President Bola Tinubu, who played indispensable role towards enthronement of current political dispensation to direct state governors to ensure peaceful and uninterrupted access to their states for candidates of opposition political parties for consultations, visits and campaigns.
The CLO also made a passionate appeal to Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs.
"We advise those who want to recruit our youths for violence to first enlist their own sons and daughters for such devilish and inhuman acts," the statement said. The organisation further appealed to the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, and the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to immediately constitute a committee of men and women of impeccable character and integrity to unravel the circumstances surrounding the prevention of Peter Obi and his entourage from entering Benue State.
“Those found culpable should be made to face the full wrath of the law. This is necessary to forestall future occurrences of such a state of nature where might is right and the survival of the fittest prevails,” CLO said.
Threat to Democracy:
The CLO warned that the evil act poses a serious threat to democracy and democratic culture, describing the incident as an undernourishment of democracy that can breed voter apathy and deepen political intolerance, which must be collaboratively and collectively fought against.
Quoting political philosopher, Edmund Burke, the statement said: “No evil doer will go unpunished, if not by man, certainly by God. If not on earth, certainly in heaven, for the triumph of evil over good is only temporary.”
M.P
Tags: Blockade of Obi’s entourage CLO