LP Calabar South assembly candidate calls for protection, condemns attacks on opposition leaders
By Akpan David, Calabar
The Labour Party, LP, candidate for Calabar South State Constituency II in Cross River State House of Assembly, Comrade Affiong Joseph, has condemned the attacks on the presidential candidates of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi
Joseph, a leading female candidate, said political parties’ candidates had the constitutional right to campaign, organise rallies and seek support anywhere in the country without intimidation or violence
Reacting in an interview on the reported attack on Atiku in Kebbi State and the assault on Obi’s convoy in Calabar on Wednesday, November 4, she described both incidents as unacceptable in a democratic society.
The former labour union leader said opposition parties and their candidates deserved equal treatment, stressing that Nigeria was a multi-party democracy and not a one-party state.
According to her, opposition was an essential component of democracy, adding that efforts by any ruling party to intimidate or suppress opposing political groups could undermine democratic principles.
On the attack on Obi’s convoy in Calabar, Joseph said, “The use of violence to intimidate political opponents or disrupt their activities is totally unacceptable. It’s not an acceptable way of expressing political disagreement.”
She noted that Cross River State, particularly Calabar South, was known for its peaceful disposition and hospitality, saying the incident was condemnable regardless of whoever might have sponsored it.
Joseph advised, “Politics should revolve around leadership, development and competing ideologies rather than violence and thuggery.”
She also cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used by politicians to perpetrate violence, arguing that those who recruit them often send their own children abroad for education and professional training.
The LP candidate consequently called on parents to caution their children against political violence, warning that such activities could damage the reputation of Cross River State, which is regarded as a major tourist destination in Nigeria.
