The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has strongly condemned the reported obstruction of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, while in Benue State to commiserate with victims and families affected by recent attacks in Yelwata.
FOSAD, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Stephen Nwala and Secretary-General, Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, said it
considered the reported incident deeply troubling, “particularly because Obi’s visit, as presented, was intended to express solidarity with communities that have suffered loss of lives and displacement.”
The Forum, therefore, appealed to the Catholic Pontiff and the Holy See to take urgent interest in the development and encourage all political actors, particularly the Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, to uphold peace, tolerance, freedom of movement and respect for the dignity of every Nigerian citizen.
Reports indicate that Mr Obi’s convoy was obstructed on the Gboko-Makurdi Federal Highway by a group of youths who allegedly used a trailer to block the road while shouting: “Obi, go back!” during the confrontation.
FOSAD particularly expressed concern by the allegation that Mr Terver Gbenda, a Senior Special Adviser to Governor Alia on Youth, was present and allegedly led the group involved in the obstruction as “he was caught on camera.”
The statement added that “Benue State belongs to Nigerians. It is not the private property of any political party, governor or ethnic group. Every Nigerian who travels peacefully and lawfully within the country is entitled to the protection of the Constitution.
“FOSAD is therefore deeply concerned by the disruption of Mr Obi’s visit. A presidential candidate travelling to condole with victims of violence should not become the target of political hostility or intimidation. Political disagreements must never be allowed to degenerate into physical confrontation or the mobilisation of mobs.
“We equally reject any attempt to justify political violence on the basis of party affiliation. The 2027 general election must not become a contest in which political opponents are intimidated, threatened or prevented from moving freely across the country.”
“Of particular concern to FOSAD are reports of inflammatory statements and alleged threats by political actors in different parts of Nigeria. Where such statements have been made and captured on video or otherwise documented, the relevant security and law-enforcement authorities should investigate them and, where appropriate, prosecute those responsible in accordance with the law,” it further stated.
The Forum commended Peter Obi and his supporters for refraining from retaliatory violence despite the disruption of the visit, noting, “Any attempt by supporters of a political candidate to respond violently would only compound the situation and could trigger a dangerous cycle of reprisals.”
FOSAD also appealed directly to the Pope and the Holy See to take note of the concerns surrounding the conduct of political office holders who are members of the Catholic clergy or hold ecclesiastical identities.
It stressed that Governor Hyacinth Alia is both a political office holder and a Catholic priest, adding, “Because of this dual public identity, his conduct and the conduct of his administration inevitably attract attention beyond the political arena.
“FOSAD therefore calls on the Vatican to instruct Father Alia to uphold the fundamental principles of peace, human dignity, non-violence, reconciliation and respect for fellow citizens.
“The Forum believes that the teachings of Christianity, and particularly the Catholic tradition of reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, should reinforce rather than weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
“As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, FOSAD urges political leaders to embrace tolerance, dialogue and peaceful competition. The responsibility for protecting lives and maintaining security rests primarily with the government and recognised security institutions, not with political mobs or partisan groups,” the Forum concluded.
