*Warns against future occurrence
By Toby Chuks
The South East Amalgamated Markets Traders Association (S E.A.M.A.T.A), the umbrella union of traders in all the markets in the 5 States of the South East Geo-Political Zone has joined other well meaning Nigerians to condemn in strong terms the attack against the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections Peter Obi describing the attack as an act of impunity, brigandage, and rascallity
SEMATA made up of traders of South East extraction doing business across the 36 states of the Federation and in the diaspora in a statement signed by the president general Chief Emeka Emechebe and secretary general Chief Chima Eruchalu during the emergency executive meeting held in Onitsha on Thursday, 10th September, 2026, noted that such unruly and reckless behaviors could truncate peaceful conduct of the up-coming general elections and warned in very strong terms, the youths of Benue State in particular and indeed, across the Federation,
According to the statement “whether they were recklessly advised or sponsored, never again to repeat this violation of the inalienable right to freedom of movement and peaceful assembly of all the candidates of all the political parties legitimately contesting the 2027 presidential elections, irrespective of his or her political party. This constitutionally guaranteed right of the candidates must be respected.
The association however commended the high standard of professional conduct displayed by the security operatives in handling the matter and equally extolled the humility and examplary civility the Presidential candidate whose convoy was blocked and stones hauled on vehicles in the convoy, exhibited while that act of unjust provocation lasted.
The association further warned that the youths of Benue State and youths in all states in the Federation must note, that no individual or group, be it youths or not, has the monopoly of violence adding that SEMATA shall not condone, accommodate nor support such condemnable impunity and shall muster and apply every available lawful and legitimate means to forstall such act of lawlessness. We are a nation of laws where the rule of law prevails at all times.
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They were on to note that Nigerian nation is not known for political violence, rascality and turbulence and shall not overlook nor allow any group to ignite nor stoke such dangerous fire now that could truncate our democracy.
The association most respectfully called on the Benue State Police Command, to diligently and discretely investigate the inglorious incident of Tuesday, 8th September 2026 in Benue State, identify, arrest and let all involved to face the full wrath of the law not minding how highly placed one might be as this will be a great lesson and serve as a deterrent for others.
The association strongly appealed to governments at all levels as well as non-state actors to allow every candidate his or her rights to canvass for votes and allow the citizens to freely and independently vote his or her choice according to his or her conscience. Nigeria deserves peace both now, during elections and after elections. No individual or group shall be allowed to truncate our democracy.
