Keyamo Condemns Disruption of Obi’s Benue Visit, Calls for Media Fairness

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has condemned the disruption of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate Peter Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata in Benue State, describing such actions as unacceptable in a democratic society.

Keyamo, in a statement reacting to the incident, said the prevention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate from accessing the venue should be condemned regardless of the political circumstances surrounding it.

Obi was reportedly stopped by angry protesters from proceeding to Yelwata, a community that witnessed deadly killings more than a year ago.

Keyamo said the reason behind the protest remained a matter of debate, noting that while the Benue State Government attributed it to internal disagreements within the NDC, others had alleged that the action was politically sponsored.

He, however, maintained that neither explanation could justify preventing a political candidate from moving freely or carrying out legitimate political activities.

The minister also criticised what he described as partisan reporting of political confrontations in the media.

According to Keyamo, similar incidents involving candidates of the All Progressives Congress are sometimes presented as evidence that the politicians have been rejected by Nigerians, while confrontations involving opposition politicians are often reported as attacks allegedly carried out by sponsored thugs or hoodlums.

He urged the media to adopt a consistent and impartial approach when reporting political incidents, irrespective of the party or candidate involved.

Keyamo also condemned statements by some opposition figures allegedly suggesting that APC candidates could be attacked or stoned in certain parts of the country.

He stressed that political disagreements should be resolved through democratic means rather than violence.

The minister urged Nigerians who disagree with any political candidate to express their position through their votes during elections instead of resorting to confrontation.

“Whoever is angry at any candidate of any political party should display the anger with the ballot paper on voting day by a simple thumbprint, not by violent acts during campaigns,” Keyamo said.