Benue: Public office not licence to intimidate citizens, empower thugs – Peter Ameh on attack on Obi

Kogi East Senatorial candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Ameh, has condemned the attack on the convoy of the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, in Benue State on Tuesday.

Ameh said the attack was utterly condemnable, emphasising that it is both absurd and intolerable for such actions to be directed against the opposition.

DAILY POST recalls that in April 2025, Governor Alia had cautioned Obi against travelling to Benue State for any humanitarian efforts.

In anticipation of the scheduled visit on April 13, 2025, it was reported that senior government officials advised the governor to deny Obi access to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps, citing purported political motivations behind the visit.

Nevertheless, one year after the contentious restriction, Obi made a return to Benue State, visiting Otukpo-Nobi to express his condolences to residents affected by the recent violence.

Once again on Tuesday, Obi was en route to Makurdi when his convoy was obstructed by suspected hired thugs who violently targeted his convoy.

In response to this troubling incident, Amen, a former presidential candidate, stated that he vehemently condemns the roadblock and intimidation allegedly executed by individuals in Benue, purportedly with the support of those in authority.

“No citizen should endure harassment, threats, or unwarranted obstruction on public roads. Our roads are for the people, and political power must never be wielded to instil fear, cause inconvenience, or foster a climate of lawlessness,” Chief Ameh said.

Amen stated that the attack is unequivocally condemned, emphasising that it is both absurd and intolerable for such actions to be directed against the opposition.

He noted that these actions violate the fundamental rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)

“If these actions were indeed sponsored or encouraged by anyone connected to the state government, then that is deeply troubling and must be thoroughly investigated. Public office is a responsibility, not a licence to intimidate citizens or empower thugs,” he added.

“The Benue State Government must openly condemn this incident and ensure that Mr Peter Obi’s visit to Benue proceeds without any distractions or further interference.

“We must continue to speak up for peace, accountability, and the rule of law. Benue deserves leadership that protects its people and respects our constitutional rights, not actions that harass, intimidate, or humiliate our citizens.

“I call on the relevant authorities to investigate this incident transparently and ensure that those responsible are held accountable, regardless of their APC connections.”