The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Bola Tinubu to direct the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to investigate the attack on Peter Obi and other chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo state.
SERAP made the call in a statement posted on its X handle on Thursday. The organisation condemned the incident and described it as an assault on democratic freedoms and the rule of law.
“We strongly condemn the reported violent attacks on the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other members of the African Democratic Congress in Edo State,” SERAP said.
Demands Independent, Transparent Probe
SERAP urged the president to order a prompt and independent investigation. It asked the police to act swiftly, impartially and transparently.
The group insisted that authorities must bring anyone suspected to be responsible to justice.
According to SERAP, the attack sends a dangerous message to opposition leaders and their supporters.
“The attacks send a message to opposition leaders and members that nowhere is safe,” it said.
Cites Constitutional, Treaty Obligations
Furthermore, SERAP cited Sections 33, 34, 35 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. It noted that the constitution guarantees the rights to life, dignity, personal liberty, security, peaceful assembly and freedom of association.
The organisation said political actors and citizens must exercise these rights without fear of violence or intimidation.
It added that the federal government has a constitutional duty to protect civic space and safeguard democratic participation.
In addition, SERAP referenced Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
It said these treaties require authorities not only to respect rights but also to prevent, investigate and punish violence by non-state actors.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to reports, the attack occurred on Tuesday in Benin City.
Obi had attended a rally at the ADC secretariat to formally receive former Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, into the party.
After the event, he proceeded to the residence of former Edo governor John Odigie-Oyegun for a meeting.
Shortly after, suspected hoodlums attacked Oyegun’s residence.
The attackers reportedly fired several shots at the gate and destroyed vehicles parked within the entrance of the compound. However, security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) attached to Obi engaged them in a gun duel.
The operatives repelled the attackers and prevented them from gaining access to the residence.
SERAP urged the Tinubu administration to act immediately. It insisted that the government must investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
