Tinubu should be held responsible for campaign rally violence – Rev Father Oluoma
A Catholic priest has called out President Bola Tinubu for failing to ensure the safety of political campaign events amid a rise in violence during such gatherings. Rev. Father Chinenye Oluoma expressed his concerns in a Facebook post on Thursday, following reports of assaults on supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) at a recent rally.
Oluoma criticized Nigerians who intentionally disrupt the activities of political parties they oppose, stating that they should be prepared to face the consequences of their actions. He specifically pointed to individuals who he claimed are paid to incite chaos at these events, stating, “If you are dumb enough to go and disrupt the campaign rally of a political party you don’t support because some politicians or their aides gave you some lousy amount of money, we won’t waste our tears at your obituary.”
Despite his condemnation of the disruptors, Oluoma emphasized the government’s obligation to provide adequate security for political gatherings, provided that organizers notify the relevant authorities in advance. He argued that, under Nigeria’s current security framework, the president bears ultimate responsibility for maintaining order during such events.
“If a party’s campaign rally is disrupted by some rascals and they are not stopped or apprehended by security agents, hold President Tinubu responsible,” he asserted, adding that the president should also be held accountable if violence occurs, such as lynchings related to rally disruptions, without subsequent arrests or prosecutions of those involved.
Oluoma described the recent surge in mob attacks and killings at political events as alarming and urged the government to take immediate measures to curb further violence. He also criticized the ongoing denial of public spaces to opposition parties for their campaign activities, underscoring the government’s duty to ensure that all political parties have access to venues and adequate protection.
He concluded by reiterating that, until state police are effectively implemented, the responsibility for safeguarding lives and property remains with President Tinubu.
