By Our Correspondent
The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors, FOSAD, has called on the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, and the Holy See to intervene and call Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, to order following the alleged obstruction of the convoy of former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in the state.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the forum described the incident on the Gboko-Makurdi Federal Highway as “deeply troubling” and warned that it threatens the principles of peace, freedom of movement and political tolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to FOSAD, Mr. Obi was travelling to Benue to commiserate with victims and families affected by recent attacks in Yelwata when his convoy was reportedly blocked by a group of youths. The group allegedly used a trailer to barricade the road while chanting “Obi, go back!”
The academics said they were particularly concerned by allegations that Mr. Terver Gbenda, a Senior Special Adviser to Governor Alia on Youth, was present during the confrontation and allegedly led the group. “He was caught on camera,” the statement read.
“FOSAD considers the reported incident deeply troubling, particularly because Obi’s visit, as presented, was intended to express solidarity with communities that have suffered loss of lives and displacement,” the forum said. “A presidential candidate travelling to condole with victims of violence should not become the target of political hostility or intimidation.”
Signed by its President, Dr. Stephen Nwala, and Secretary-General, Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, FOSAD stressed that Benue State “belongs to Nigerians” and is “not the private property of any political party, governor or ethnic group.”
The group insisted that every Nigerian who travels peacefully and lawfully within the country is entitled to constitutional protection.
The forum appealed directly to the Vatican, citing Governor Alia’s dual identity as both a political office holder and a Catholic priest. “Because of this dual public identity, his conduct and the conduct of his administration inevitably attract attention beyond the political arena,” FOSAD stated.
“We therefore appeal to the Catholic Pontiff and the Holy See to take urgent interest in the development and encourage all political actors, particularly the Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, to uphold peace, tolerance, freedom of movement and respect for the dignity of every Nigerian citizen.”
FOSAD called on the Vatican to instruct Father Alia to uphold “the fundamental principles of peace, human dignity, non-violence, reconciliation and respect for fellow citizens,” adding that the teachings of Christianity, and particularly the Catholic tradition of reconciliation, should reinforce rather than weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The academics also condemned what they described as growing inflammatory statements and alleged threats by political actors in different parts of the country. They urged security and law-enforcement agencies to investigate such incidents where they have been captured on video or otherwise documented, and to prosecute those responsible in accordance with the law.
On the 2027 elections, FOSAD warned against the normalization of political violence.
“The 2027 general election must not become a contest in which political opponents are intimidated, threatened or prevented from moving freely across the country. Political disagreements must never be allowed to degenerate into physical confrontation or the mobilization of mobs,” the statement said.
The forum commended Mr. Obi and his supporters for refraining from retaliatory violence despite the disruption.
“Any attempt by supporters of a political candidate to respond violently would only compound the situation and could trigger a dangerous cycle of reprisals,” FOSAD noted.
The group further urged all political leaders to embrace tolerance, dialogue and peaceful competition as Nigeria approaches the next general elections. It emphasized that the responsibility for protecting lives and maintaining security rests primarily with government and recognized security institutions, “not with political mobs or partisan groups.”
FOSAD said it expects the Holy See to take note of the concerns and use its moral authority to promote peaceful coexistence in Benue and across Nigeria.
