Festus Keyamo Condemns Peter Obi Benue Blockade: Unacceptable

• Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, condemned the blockade of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi by protesters in Benue State, calling it undemocratic.
• Keyamo stated that preventing free movement for political activity is unacceptable, regardless of whether the protest was due to internal party issues or rival party sponsorship.
• He criticized sections of the media for applying different reporting standards to similar incidents involving APC versus opposition politicians.
• The minister urged all political party supporters to exercise restraint and resolve disagreements through democratic processes, specifically via the ballot box.
• Keyamo emphasized that grievances against candidates should be expressed through voting, not through violent acts during campaigns.

All individuals must be permitted to move freely and engage in political activities without facing such overt interference.

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has strongly denounced the recent obstruction faced by Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benue State. Keyamo, speaking to Vanguard, characterized the incident, which saw protesters block Obi from reaching his intended destination, as fundamentally incompatible with democratic principles. He emphasized that preventing any political figure from accessing a planned event venue is unacceptable, irrespective of the individuals or groups responsible for the disruption.

The minister highlighted that such actions undermine the democratic process, whether they stem from alleged internal disagreements within the NDC, as suggested by the Benue State Government, or are orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other rival political entity. Keyamo acknowledged reports suggesting that Obi's planned visit to Yelwata, a community recently impacted by deadly attacks, was perceived by some as politically motivated, leading to opposition from certain protesters. However, he maintained that any grievances, real or perceived, do not justify impeding the former Anambra State governor's fundamental right to free movement.

Keyamo unequivocally stated that all individuals must be permitted to move freely and engage in political activities without facing such overt interference. He stressed that the incident underscores a critical need to uphold the principles of free political expression and movement, which are cornerstones of a functional democracy. The minister's remarks underscore a broader concern about the integrity of political campaigns and the protection of candidates' rights to engage with the electorate.

Beyond the immediate incident involving the Peter Obi Benue visit protest, Keyamo also directed sharp criticism towards certain segments of the media, accusing them of exhibiting partisan bias in their coverage of political events. He observed a concerning trend where similar incidents are reported with different standards depending on the political party involved. According to Keyamo, media outlets often portray hostile crowds confronting All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates as evidence of widespread public 'rejection,' while comparable situations involving opposition politicians are frequently framed as 'attacks' by 'sponsored thugs' or 'hoodlums.'

Keyamo urged Nigerians to critically examine what he termed the partisan nature of political protest coverage. He further alleged that some opposition figures have openly issued threats, warning that APC candidates would face aggression if they visited specific regions of the country or openly identified with their party. The minister expressed dismay at what he perceived as the media's failure to adequately challenge or condemn these explicit threats. He called for the press to extricate itself from such partisanship, advocating for fair and balanced reporting across the political spectrum, asserting that consistent standards should apply to all parties.

In his broader appeal for responsible political engagement, Keyamo called upon supporters of all political parties to exercise restraint throughout the campaign season. He underscored the importance of resolving political disagreements through established democratic processes rather than resorting to violence or intimidation. The minister emphasized that any dissatisfaction with a particular candidate should be expressed through the ballot box, which serves as the legitimate mechanism for electoral decision-making.

Keyamo cautioned against violent acts during political campaigns, asserting that voters who are displeased with any candidate should channel their anger by simply casting their vote on election day. This reinforces the principle that the power to effect change lies with the electorate through peaceful means. His comments highlight the critical need to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process and ensure that freedom of movement for political campaigns is protected, fostering an environment where democratic principles can thrive without fear of political violence during elections.

Lawyers advising political parties or candidates should note this reinforcement of fundamental rights to freedom of movement and political activity during campaigns. It highlights potential legal challenges or compliance issues related to political intimidation and violence, underscoring the need for adherence to democratic processes.

Source: Original reporting via Vanguard