By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Peter Uzokwe has condemned the assassination attempt on the presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, in Benin, Edo State.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly yesterday in Abuja, Uzokwe described the incident as a direct attack on Nigeria’s democracy and constitutional order.
He expressed concern that a leading figure of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, could face such grave danger while engaging with citizens and ordinary people.
Noting that there was no room for violence in a democratic society, the lawmaker observed that an attack on a presidential aspirant is not merely personal, but an assault on the collective rights of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders.
He maintained that democracy could only thrive with the competition of ideas, not intimidation or bloodshed, warning that militarising the political space only threatens the nation’s stability.
Uzokwe therefor called on the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, to immediately address the situation as the chief security officer of the state.
The lawmaker also emphasised that leadership demands accountability, urging the governor to ensure the safety of all political actors regardless of party affiliation.
He warned that silence or indifference at such a critical moment would be unacceptable.
Uzokwe demanded a transparent and independent investigation into the incident, insisting that all perpetrators, sponsors and collaborators, no matter how highly placed, must be identified and prosecuted according to the law, noting that failure to do so would signal tolerance for political violence and embolden those seeking to destabilise Nigeria.
On the way forward, the lawmaker called on security agencies to act swiftly and professionally and bring the perpetrators to book, while urging political leaders across party lines to condemn the attack.
He also appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, but vigilant, reaffirming that democracy must be protected at all cost for the sake of posterity.
