Controversy has trailed a protest that disrupted traffic on Gboko Road in Makurdi, Benue State, on Monday as supporters and opponents of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, traded accusations over the demonstration.
The protesters, who chanted, “We don’t want Peter Obi,” reportedly barricaded Gboko Road around the Air Force base and the airport in Makurdi, bringing vehicular movement to a halt.
The demonstration occurred as Obi continued political engagements in the Benue State capital.
However, reactions to the protest on social media quickly shifted from the demonstration itself to allegations over who organised or sponsored the protesters.
While ARISE News described those blocking the road as protesters, several social media users disputed the description, alleging that the demonstrators were sponsored political thugs.
One user, identified as Monty (@n_chidi), wrote: “Arise News, they are not protesters; they are APC thugs. You can see the APC top.”
Another user, YANGE TORBEM McFIDEL (@mc_tbem), alleged: “APC rented thugs at it again, Peter Obi scares the shit out of them, the last time he was here the crowds in Gboko came out en masse to show support.”
The Naija O’Clock (@NaijaOclock) also criticised the report, alleging that the Benue State Government recruited thugs to attack Obi.
“Arise, which kain nonsense protesters? Instead of reporting that the governor of Benue State recruited thugs to attack PETER OBI, you are reporting this nonsense? Media is our problem in this country,” the user posted.
Another commentator, Michael Ogwuche (@fadamiguel), accused the state government of instigating political hostility against Obi, describing the development as unacceptable in a democracy.
“Shameless State, no wonder you people are very backward in comparison with all first-generation states created at the same time! This is a so-called man-of-God governor instigating political hatred against an innocent political opponent of the same faith just to please a criminal in power!” he wrote.
- C Ugwummadu Esq (@MosesUgwum75755) similarly condemned the development, saying a state governed by a cleric should not tolerate political intimidation.
“A state governed by a Reverend father is not expected to go this low. But if this nonsense is not nipped in the bud, it will lead to a dangerous precedent that will destroy our democracy,” he stated.
Ndak Reuben (@NdakReuben6h2x) also raised constitutional concerns, writing: “This is a very bad precedent set by the Government of Benue State. This is one Nigeria, and the Constitution is very explicit on freedom of expression, speech, and movement of people of Nigeria.”
Some commentators alleged that the people involved in the demonstration were paid to participate.
Emeka Amakeze (@EmekaAmakeze) wrote: “They will still protest for the money promised them to engage in this protest of shame.”
He questioned why residents would protest against Obi when, according to him, the state had continued to experience insecurity.
“Should we count the number of times Benue people have been slaughtered; villages wiped out, farmland destroyed under APC, but somebody with a hollow skull wants to convince sane people that Peter Obi is their problem,” he added.
Another user, identified as Stanley Omolegie (@dstah_ironside), attributed the alleged participation of some people to economic hardship.
“Poverty has caused more harm than God in my country. The people protesting were hired out to carry out the dirty job even though they knew what they were doing was not a good act,” he said.
Omolegie added that economic hardship could force people into actions they might otherwise reject.
“The country makes you do something unwillingly, but you got to do it for survival. Using us against ourselves!” he wrote.
Other reactions were more critical of the protesters themselves, with some accusing them of failing to recognise Obi’s political appeal and his reported support for communities affected by insecurity.
Flaubert (@flaubert__) wrote: “This is the same state in which Christians are slaughtered. The same state Peter Obi has donated much to its IDP camps. It’s well.”
Apostle Mfon Udoema, however, expressed concern about what he described as repeated complaints of intimidation involving Obi’s political camp.
“I am not happy with the constant complaints of intimidation from the camp of His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi,” Udoema wrote.
He compared Obi’s experience with that of former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
“I have never seen His Excellency, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, harassed or blocked anywhere because he knows how to ensure that such does not happen,” he stated.
Udoema concluded with a call for resistance, writing: “When a strong man attacks you, you need to be a stronger man to deal with him. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. You don’t befriend the devil; you resist him.”
The conflicting reactions have consequently raised questions about the identity and affiliation of the people behind the protest, as well as the circumstances surrounding Obi’s visit to Makurdi.
While some commentators insist the demonstrators were genuine opponents of Obi, others alleged that they were sponsored or politically motivated.
