It’s Unhelpful, Unacceptable – NLC Reacts To Blockage Of Peter Obi’s Convoy In Benue

The Nigeria Labour Congress has condemned the reported obstruction of the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State.

This was just as the NLC described the incident as a troubling sign of growing political intolerance in Nigeria.

It warned that differences in political opinions should not result in violence, exclusion or suppression.

Obi had visited Benue as part of his engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections and reportedly planned to proceed to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area to honour victims of a previous deadly attack and sympathise with families affected by the killings.

However, his movement was obstructed by a group of people, preventing him from accessing the community.

Reacting to the development, NLC spokesman, Benson Upah, said the labour centre was alarmed by what he described as increasing cases of political violence across the country.

“We are alarmed by the rising cases of political violence across the country reflective of intolerance of alternative views. Yet, we run a multi-party democracy. The constitution guarantees this,” Upah said.

He described the development as “unhelpful, unnecessary and unacceptable,” insisting that political disagreements must not be allowed to degenerate into hostility.

Upah urged those promoting political intolerance to desist, stressing that Nigerians had made significant sacrifices to establish the country’s democratic system.

“Those driving this agenda of intolerance must be halted in their tracks. They have no idea how this democracy was won,” he said.

The NLC spokesman called on politicians and their supporters to embrace peaceful engagement and focus on issues, policies and ideas rather than partisan hostility.

“We call on all to eschew violence. Play politics of issues, not crude and unguided partisanship without vision,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command said it had arrested 46 persons in connection with the obstruction of Obi’s movement in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference in Makurdi, saying the arrests followed intelligence-led operations launched after the incident.

Nwadiogbu said the command was informed about Obi’s planned visit at about 5:30pm on Monday, September 7, following which security personnel were deployed to protect him during his movement in the state.

According to him, the deployment included three police escort vehicles and personnel led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

He said the situation became tense when Obi’s movement was obstructed, prompting the police to adopt a tactical approach to prevent the incident from escalating.

“At that point, the police took a professional and tactical decision to avoid an escalation that could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property,” the commissioner said.

Nwadiogbu said the police subsequently escorted Obi to the airport, from where he left the state peacefully.

He, however, stressed that the decision to avoid confrontation did not amount to police inaction.

“Let me state clearly that the tactical decision taken by the police should not be mistaken for inaction,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that 46 suspects had so far been arrested, while investigations were continuing to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly connected with the incident.

“46 arrests have been made, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend all other persons connected with the incident,” he said.

Nwadiogbu further reaffirmed the neutrality of the police, saying every citizen was entitled to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation.

“The Benue State Police Command remains a neutral and professional institution. Every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement, irrespective of political affiliation, status or personal belief,” he said.

He warned that no individual or group had the right to unlawfully restrict another person’s movement, adding that those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.