The senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, condemned the assassination attempt on Peter Obi and Odigie-Oyegun, describing the development as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the incident was “deeply disturbing”, and warned against the rising tide of political intolerance across the country.
She stressed that violence, intimidation and threats must not be allowed to define Nigeria’s political space, insisting that democratic competition should never degenerate into physical attacks on perceived opponents.
According to her, democracy thrives on healthy rivalry, free expression and respect for dissenting voices.
She added that opposition figures had constitutional rights to organise and mobilise without fear.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed concern over what she termed overzealous political actors who, in a bid to demonstrate loyalty to leaders, resort to harassment or aggression against opposition figures. She said such actions were reckless, counterproductive and dangerous to national unity.
She called on security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the attack and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
Imasuangbon Tells Tinubu to Rein in APC
A chieftain of ADC in Edo State, Ken Imasuangbon, called on Tinubu to urgently hold back members of APC in Edo State following the attack on opposition figures in Benin.
Imasuangbon described the development as a dangerous sign for democracy, and warned that failure by the president to check the excesses of APC members in the state could plunge Edo into chaos.
He alleged that the attack bore the “imprint of ruling party hirelings,” stressing that such acts of intimidation and political gangsterism have no place in a democratic society.
Imasuangbon insisted that the presidency had a responsibility to ensure that members of the ruling party upheld democratic norms.
Obi’s Kinsmen Condemn Development
Youths of Agulu community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, under the aegis of Agulu Youth Development Committee, condemned Tuesday’s attack on Obi.
The youths expressed their thoughts in a press release made available to journalists in Awka, that Anambra State capital, calling for investigation into the act.
In the press release by its chairman and secretary, Messrs Eric-Kenny Maduagwu and Egoh Chamberlain, respectively, the group said the incident underscored the worrisome dimension of politics being introduced by the ruling party in Edo State.
The statement said, “We condemn in entirety, the unfortunate assassination attempt on His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi today, during his visit to Edo State.
“Any attempt on the life of Peter Obi will spell doom for the country as the Nigerian masses will surprise the government with a volcanic protest and the whole nation will not wish for the consequences.”
Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade, David-Chyddy Eleke and Felix Omoh-Asun
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