“Shelve Your Diabolical And Irresponsible Plan To Disrupt The Visit Of Mr. Peter Obi in Benue -Terhemba Shiza

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue State has called on the state government to abandon an alleged plan to disrupt the planned visit of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that the former Anambra State governor must be allowed to carry out his scheduled activities without intimidation.

The party’s spokesperson in the state, Terhemba Shiza, made the appeal while addressing journalists in Makurdi. He accused the Benue State Government of allegedly making attempts to prevent Obi from visiting the state and described the reported plan as irresponsible and unacceptable.

Shiza urged the government to reconsider its alleged position, while calling on security agencies and supporters of the NDC presidential candidate to remain alert throughout the visit. He advised party members to exercise caution but remain enthusiastic about participating in the scheduled programmes.

According to the spokesperson, no government or individual has the authority to interfere with legitimate political activities, arguing that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and courts of law have the legal powers to restrict the electioneering process.

He maintained that the party would proceed with its planned activities despite the alleged threats, stressing that the NDC would not allow intimidation, political blackmail or harassment to prevent it from exercising its democratic rights.

However, Shiza also cautioned party supporters against taking the law into their own hands, insisting that the organisation would not respond to alleged provocations with violence.

He further alleged that the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) had information about suspected militant groups allegedly established by the state administration to target supporters of opposition politicians and other political parties. He therefore called on the security agencies to investigate the claims and take appropriate measures to prevent any attempt to cause violence.

The NDC spokesperson also insisted that the party remained committed to its political responsibilities and would not abandon its ambition of winning elections. He expressed confidence that the organisation was prepared to contest and secure victory in the forthcoming electoral process.

Shiza stressed that Obi’s visit to Benue must take place peacefully and successfully, adding that the party had no intention of engaging in confrontations or encouraging violence.

He also recalled an alleged incident in which the state government reportedly deployed thugs to disrupt Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata town. According to him, the incident occurred during an earlier attempt to visit the community and represented an embarrassing demonstration of political immaturity.

Explaining the purpose of the forthcoming visit, Shiza said it would combine humanitarian and political activities. He disclosed that Obi intends to visit Yelwata to honour the 271 victims reportedly killed in the community by laying a wreath in their memory.

The visit will also include a town hall meeting where the presidential candidate is expected to interact with residents and discuss issues affecting the people of Benue State.