BY AHMED AKANBI
The Peter Obi Media Office has called on security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attack on the campaign convoy of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, in Calabar on Wednesday.
In a statement signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr. on Thursday, the office condemned what it described as the barbaric attack by some youths on Obi’s convoy.
“This unacceptable act of political violence endangers democracy, peaceful political participation, and the fundamental rights of Nigerians,” the statement said.
The office expressed alarm over what it called the calculated exploitation of Nigerian youths by desperate politicians who take advantage of economic hardship to recruit them for violence.
It said vulnerable young people are enticed with money and enlisted to carry out attacks and obstruct democratic activities.
“We are especially alarmed by the calculated exploitation of Nigerian youths by desperate politicians who take advantage of the current economic hardship, entice vulnerable young people with money, and enlist them to carry out violence,” it said.
The office lamented that those who finance and organise such violence remain insulated from consequences, while innocent youths are manipulated into jeopardising their freedom, future and lives.
“Regrettably, the individuals who finance and organise such violence remain safely at home and insulated from the consequences, while innocent youths are manipulated into jeopardising their freedom, future, and lives,” it added.
It warned Nigerian youths against being used as tools of destruction by self-serving politicians.
“Nigerian youths must not be used as tools of destruction by self-serving politicians. Their future should be built through education, productive participation, and leadership — not violence or political thuggery,” it said.
The office urged security agencies to uncover both the perpetrators and their sponsors and ensure everyone responsible is brought to justice.
It reaffirmed Obi’s commitment to a peaceful, issue-focused campaign and urged all stakeholders to uphold civility, tolerance and democratic principles.
“Nigeria is a nation we all share. No political aspiration justifies the loss of a Nigerian life,” it added.