By Ayo Ayodele
Amnesty International has condemned the alleged obstruction of the presidential candidate of the opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, from entering Benue State, describing the incident as an unlawful act of political repression.
The human rights organisation said no Nigerian requires permission or prior notification to visit any part of the country, stressing that no state should be regarded as a “no-go area” for any individual or supporter of a political party.
In a statement, Amnesty International expressed concern over what it described as the “reckless and unlawful use of political thugs” to block Obi and his entourage from entering the state.
The organisation alleged that heavily armed youths barricaded Gboko Road in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, in what appeared to be a coordinated action that put members of the NDC entourage at risk.
Amnesty said the Benue State Government had questions to answer over the incident, while warning that harassment of opposition candidates by state-endorsed armed vigilante groups or political thugs was unlawful.
“What happened today in Benue State is an unprecedented and dangerous act of political hooliganism that undermines the entire democratic process,” the organisation said.
It further raised concerns over what it described as growing political intolerance, incitement and other activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to Amnesty International, it has since last year documented what it called a “shocking level” of political repression, including alleged attempts to prevent hotels from hosting political meetings organised by opposition groups and attacks on political activities of rival parties.
The organisation also criticised what it described as the failure of relevant authorities to adequately prevent political repression and violence or investigate alleged perpetrators.
“We are seriously concerned that the Nigerian Government is doing very little to prevent political repression and violence,” Amnesty said, alleging that some states had adopted an “unpronounced policy” of using various means to shut out political opposition.
It called for decisive action against political intolerance and violence, stressing the need for a level playing field ahead of elections.
Amnesty International also urged political parties and candidates to make clear commitments against violence and political thuggery and ensure that such commitments form an integral part of their election campaigns.