A Kogi-based activist, Austin Okai, has condemned the alleged blockage of the Ganaja highway by supporters of former Governor Yahaya Bello and the All Progressives Congress for a campaign rally.
Okai said the incident disrupted traffic and allegedly left motorists and travellers heading towards the South-East and Benue State stranded on the major highway for between two and three hours.
He described the development as an abuse of public space, arguing that political campaigns should not come at the expense of commuters going about their legitimate businesses.
Okai, in a statement on Saturday, called on Bello and the APC to stop using major highways as rally grounds.
He said the reported disruption could have serious consequences for travellers on emergency journeys and other road users who had no connection with the political activity.
“Former Governor Yahaya Bello and the APC must stop blocking highways in the name of campaigning,” Okai said.
According to him, political parties have several legitimate options for mobilising supporters without obstructing major transportation routes.
He suggested house-to-house campaigns, school grounds and designated open spaces as more appropriate venues for political rallies.
Okai also appealed to Hon. Haruna Ganaja, whom he accused of organising the rally, to desist from using the highway for political activities.
“What happened yesterday in Ganaja, where trailers and buses heading to the South-Eastern region and Benue State were trapped on the highway, must not be allowed to happen again,” he said.
“Take your campaign away from the highway and, to you my friend, Hon. Haruna Ganaja, stop organising rallies on a highway. Respect public peace.”
Austin Okai and Yahaya Bello
