Obi Attack: SERAP urges Tinubu to direct IGP to take over case

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the reported attack on Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and his entourage in Benue State. In a statement on Wednesday signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP Deputy Director, it urged President Bola Tinubu to “direct the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu to take over the investigation into the incident, ensure a prompt, thorough, impartial, transparent and effective investigation, and identify anyone responsible for the attack and anyone who sponsored, facilitated or otherwise aided it, with a view to prosecution where there is sufficient admissible evidence. ” Obi was reportedly visiting Benue State on Tuesday when suspected thugs confronted and stopped his convoy along Gboko Road in Makurdi, near the Air Force Base.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after the convoy arrived in the state. The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the incident and commenced an investigation. The organisation said: “the IGP should take over the case to ensure that the investigation is conducted independently and comprehensively, including determining whether any public officials, political actors or other persons were involved in, sponsored, facilitated or condoned the reported attack. ” SERAP said: “The reported attack is a serious threat to political participation, civic space and Nigeria’s democratic process. It is an affront to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations, including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party. ” According to SERAP, “The authorities must ensure that politicians,…