The Obidient Elders Council in Akwa Ibom State has called for an impartial investigation into the reported obstruction of former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi during his visit to Benue State.
The council said the incident, in which Obi was reportedly prevented from reaching communities affected by recent violence, raised serious concerns about security, political intimidation and the state of democratic freedoms in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its representative, Engr. Pius Ebong, and made available to journalists in Uyo on Tuesday, the group said Obi had travelled to Benue to sympathise with communities and families affected by recent violence when his movement was allegedly obstructed by individuals it described as political thugs.
The council questioned how such an incident could occur in a state where residents continue to face threats from bandits and other violent criminals.
“How can citizens living in fear of bandits and other violent criminals be left vulnerable, while a former governor and presidential candidate coming to identify with victims of violence is physically prevented from reaching them?” the group asked.
The council said the incident should not be viewed solely as an issue involving Obi, arguing that it raised broader questions about the freedom of political actors to move around the country and engage with citizens.
It called on security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute anyone found to have participated in the alleged obstruction, adding that those who sponsored, financed or directed the action should also be held accountable regardless of their political affiliation or status.
The group also referred to the Benue State Government’s reported denial of involvement, saying the denial should be accompanied by a transparent investigation capable of establishing who was behind the incident.
“That denial should therefore be followed by decisive action to identify the perpetrators and establish who organised, financed or directed the obstruction,” the statement said.
The council questioned the circumstances surrounding the reported incident, including who allegedly mobilised those involved, why they were able to operate openly and what security agencies did during the episode.
It further asked whether those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted, insisting that the matter should not be allowed to disappear without accountability.
The group urged the Federal Government, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation and make their findings public.
It also called on political leaders across the country to reject violence, intimidation and thuggery as tools of political competition, arguing that democratic institutions must protect both government supporters and critics.
“The real test of democracy is not how government treats its friends and supporters. It is how it treats its critics, opponents and ordinary citizens who have no political protection,” the council said.
The Obidient Elders maintained that Benue belongs to all Nigerians and that residents should be free to receive political leaders and other visitors who come peacefully, particularly those seeking to sympathise with victims of violence.
“Benue needs security, not political intimidation. Nigeria needs democracy, not political thuggery,” the group declared.
