Benue Disruption: Tietie Warns APC of International Criminal Implications

Prominent legal practitioner and Arise News analyst, Frank Tietie, has strongly criticized the disturbances that marred Peter Obi's recent visit to Benue State. Tietie pointed fingers at the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging their involvement in fostering political unrest and cautioning that the party's leadership might face international legal action for what he termed "crimes against humanity."

The condemnation follows an incident on Tuesday when Mr. Obi, identified as the NDC presidential candidate in the original report, traveled to Benue to offer condolences to victims of the Yelewata attacks. However, his entourage encountered a reported road blockade, hindering their journey to the affected area. This event has raised significant concerns regarding the security provisions for the visit and the accountability of state government officials.

In his reaction to the incident, Tietie labeled the Benue State Government's handling of the situation as "embarrassing." He specifically accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of not ensuring a secure and calm atmosphere for Obi's visit and of failing to deploy sufficient security personnel. Tietie issued a stark warning, stating, “If anything happens to Peter Obi, it becomes an international issue, and Nigerians must be worried that it is failing in its complementarity responsibility in ensuring that these patterns of political violence are not being tolerated. If that continues, it might amount to an international crime, meaning that some of these officials will one day, because of these crimes committed against humanity.” He further cautioned that, “The leaders of the APC in this country risk being tagged as international criminals who have committed crimes against humanity if they continue this pattern of political violence as they have done.”

Tietie elaborated on his disappointment with the state's response, remarking, “The response by the state government is embarrassing, because I expected the governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, to be apologizing to the Nigerian people for not being able to guarantee a peaceful environment for a personality like Peter Obi to visit Benue State. So, what he has simply expressed is that he’s not in control of the security of Benue State and that he cannot even create an atmosphere of conciliation, but has engendered political violence in his own state.”

Addressing the Benue State Government's assertion that Obi's visit necessitated prior security coordination, Tietie countered that no constitutional provision mandates citizens to seek a governor's permission before traveling. He referenced Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which upholds the fundamental right to freedom of movement. Tietie emphasized, “No, the governor is under the illusion that there is some kind of requirement that a Nigerian citizen must get clearance from a governor, no matter how prominent he is or how ordinary he is. Section 41 of the constitution guarantees freedom of movement in this country. The governor does not—Peter Obi does not need to consult anybody before visiting any part of this country, and the same thing applies to anybody,” he affirmed.

Furthermore, Tietie urged Governor Alia to launch an inquiry into the reported resistance, characterizing it as "organized persecution." He issued a caution that any tolerance of political violence could severely undermine Nigeria's democratic foundations and stability. He remarked, “I like the fact that the police acknowledged that there was resistance, and this resistance appeared organized. It is this organized persecution against a political group, whether it’s the NDC or any other political party, that makes it a crime. Worst still is that there’s tolerance on the part of Nigerian state authorities. If Governor Alia can save his face, if he announces that he has commenced an investigation or some form of inquiry to bring to book those elements that were causing mayhem in Benue State.” Tietie concluded by stating, “Governor Alia should be held responsible. The All Progressives Congress is risking being held responsible for any snowballing of political violence in this country. The world is watching, and these persons will be held to account, no doubt.”

Expressing his endorsement for Peter Obi, Tietie portrayed him as a politician with a sincere commitment to the welfare of the populace. In contrast, he accused other political figures of prioritizing self-enrichment, leading to increased poverty among Nigerians under their governance. He asserted, “Peter Obi, no doubt, is interested in the people. But we know many politicians who are not interested in the people; they are interested in impoverishing the people. Nigerians are poorer, and they don’t care about the people at all. What they do is simply take all the resources, make the place ungovernable, and then go abroad.”

Tietie concluded by appealing to both Nigerians and political leaders to safeguard Peter Obi, whom he characterized as "a man of peace." He advocated for campaigns centered on substantive issues and for peaceful electoral processes, which he believes are essential for fostering national unity. He remarked, “That’s the reason why we need to protect someone like Peter Obi, a man of peace. It shows that you are civilized. Even Governor Wike was smarter as Governor of Rivers State; he had to invite Peter Obi and gave him a platform. Look at Alia; he doesn’t understand how politics is run.” He further added, “We need to put this country together and organize elections and election campaigns based on issues and in a peaceful environment.”