By Our Correspondent
ABUJA — The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has raised the alarm over the reported blockade of opposition presidential candidate Peter Obi by suspected political thugs in Benue State, describing the incident as a disturbing threat to democratic freedom and the constitutional right to free movement.
The guild, in a statement, condemned the alleged obstruction of Obi’s entourage along Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital, saying the development was unacceptable in a constitutional democracy and had raised serious questions about security and political tolerance in the state.
GOMEP-NG called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately investigate the incident, identify those responsible and establish whether any politically exposed persons or government officials were connected to the alleged blockade.
The organisation stressed that no Nigerian requires permission from a state government or political authority to visit any 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.”»
According to the guild, the reported incident amounted to political intimidation and an ugly display of impunity, warning that the use of suspected political loyalists to obstruct opposition figures could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.
GOMEP-NG further alleged that heavily armed youths barricaded sections of Gboko Road in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to restrict the movement of the NDC entourage and potentially expose members of the delegation to danger.
The guild said the matter should not be dismissed as an ordinary confrontation on the road, arguing that it could point to a deeper problem of declining political tolerance and a shrinking democratic space for opposition activities.
It also demanded an explanation from Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, particularly on whether his administration sanctioned, encouraged or tolerated the reported obstruction.
GOMEP-NG warned against allowing Benue State to be perceived as a political territory 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.”»
The media organisation urged security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation and prosecute anyone found to have violated the law.
It equally appealed to political parties and their supporters to reject violence, intimidation and the use of political thugs, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic development.
GOMEP-NG maintained that political disagreements must never be used as a justification for restricting the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
The guild said the reported Benue incident should serve as a wake-up call to security agencies, political leaders and democratic institutions as the country moves closer to future elections.
“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,” GOMEP-NG said.
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