Peter Obi: GOMEP-NG Demands Probe Into Alleged Benue Road Blockade

GOMEP-NG has condemned the reported blockade of Peter Obi’s entourage in Benue State and called on the police and DSS to investigate the incident. The guild described the alleged obstruction as political intimidation and urged authorities to identify and prosecute anyone found responsible.

A political road blockade in Benue has raised fresh concerns about Nigeria’s democratic space, after GOMEP-NG demanded an urgent investigation into the alleged obstruction of Peter Obi’s entourage.

ABUJA — The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria, GOMEP-NG, has condemned the reported blockade of the presidential candidate of the opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, by suspected political thugs in Benue State.

The guild described the alleged incident as a disturbing threat to democratic freedom, political tolerance and the constitutional right to free movement.

According to GOMEP-NG, Obi’s entourage was reportedly obstructed along Gboko Road in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. The group said the development raises serious questions about the security situation and the treatment of opposition politicians in the state.

The guild, therefore, called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services, DSS, to immediately investigate the incident.

It also urged the security agencies to identify those behind the alleged blockade and determine whether any politically exposed persons or government officials were involved.

GOMEP-NG stressed that no Nigerian requires permission from a state government or political authority to visit another part of the country.

“No Nigerian needs anybody’s permission or prior notification to visit any part of the country. No state is a no-go area for any citizen, political candidate or supporter of any lawful political party,” the guild said.

The organisation described the reported action as “political thuggery” and “intimidation”, warning that the use of suspected political loyalists to obstruct opposition figures could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democratic development.

GOMEP-NG further alleged that heavily armed youths barricaded parts of Gboko Road in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to prevent the NDC entourage from accessing the area.

It said the reported presence of armed youths was particularly concerning because it could have exposed members of the delegation and other road users to danger.

The guild maintained that the matter should not be treated as an ordinary confrontation on the road.

Rather, it said, the incident could point to a disturbing decline in political tolerance and a shrinking space for opposition activities.

“Any evidence of government involvement, encouragement or tacit support for the alleged action would be particularly disturbing,” GOMEP-NG said.

The guild added that the primary responsibility of the government is to protect citizens and visitors, regardless of their political affiliation.

GOMEP-NG Challenges Governor Alia

GOMEP-NG also challenged Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to explain what happened and clarify whether his administration sanctioned, encouraged or tolerated the reported obstruction.

The guild warned against allowing Benue State to be perceived as a political environment where opposition politicians could be intimidated, harassed or prevented from moving freely.

“Government must not become an accomplice to political intimidation. The governor cannot look the other way if armed youths are allowed to determine who may enter or move through Benue State,” it said.

The media organisation further urged the security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation and prosecute anyone found to have violated the law.

It also called on political parties and their supporters to reject violence and intimidation.

According to the guild, the use of political thugs against opponents represents a serious threat to democratic stability, especially as Nigeria moves towards future elections.

GOMEP-NG stressed that political differences must not be allowed to override the constitutional rights of citizens.

“ No political office is worth destroying Nigeria’s democratic fabric. The right to move, organise, campaign and participate in public life belongs to every Nigerian, including political opponents,” the guild said.

The organisation said the reported Benue incident should serve as a wake-up call to security agencies, political leaders and democratic institutions.

It urged all stakeholders to protect political freedom and ensure that Nigeria’s democratic space remains open to every lawful political party and its supporters.