The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has strongly condemned the recent blockade of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Benue State. Keyamo described the disruption of Obi’s scheduled visit as an unacceptable act that has no place in a democratic society.
Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata a community in Benue State recently impacted by violent attacks was halted by protesting youths. While some local authorities suggested the protest stemmed from internal friction within Obi’s party, others alleged it was orchestrated by rival political groups. Regardless of the motivation, Keyamo insisted that restricting any citizen’s freedom of movement is indefensible.
Condemning Political Interference
Speaking on the incident, Keyamo emphasized that democratic principles must supersede partisan rivalries. He argued that the right to free movement and peaceful political assembly must be protected for all political actors, irrespective of their party affiliations.
“Whether the protest was as a result of internal squabbles within the NDC, as posited by the Benue State Government, or sponsored by the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other rival party, this should not be part of our democracy,” Keyamo stated. He added that political disagreements do not justify “crude interference” in the free movement of individuals playing their politics.
Addressing Media Bias
The Minister also used the opportunity to critique the Nigerian press, accusing sections of the media of displaying partisan bias in their reporting of political confrontations. Keyamo pointed out a perceived double standard in how the media frames incidents involving different political parties.
According to Keyamo, when opposition figures face disruptions, headlines quickly label the perpetrators as “sponsored thugs” or “hoodlums.” Conversely, he noted that when opposition supporters threaten hostility against APC candidates in certain regions, such rhetoric receives little to no media scrutiny.
“What is good for the goose is also good for the gander,” Keyamo remarked, urging journalists to remain objective, extricate themselves from partisan narratives, and report fairly on all political actors.
Voters Urged to Use the Ballot, Not Violence
Concluding his statement, Keyamo advised political supporters and aggrieved citizens to eschew violence and express their dissatisfaction through constitutional means. He emphasized that the ultimate tool for political expression is the vote.
- Express discontent peacefully: Avoid physical confrontations or disrupting opponents’ campaigns.
- Utilize the ballot: Channel political grievances directly through the voting booth.
- Uphold democratic norms: Respect the constitutional right of all candidates to campaign freely across the country.
“Whoever is angry at any candidate of any political party should display the anger with the ballot paper on voting day by a simple thumbprint, not by violent acts during campaigns,” Keyamo concluded.