Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has called on the authorities to tackle political violence as the 2023 elections draw close. This was after some of his supporters were attacked by thugs as they made their way to the Tafawa Balewa Square Lagos where Obi was holding a mega rally. Four supporters were injured after being attacked with machetes and others had their car windscreens smashed in the violence. “As we go into the final stretch for the 2023 elections, I call on all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation or tendency, to eschew violence. I condemn any form of violence and political thuggery; and especially the incessant attacks on my Obedient supporters. “I call on the security forces nationwide to protect those exercising their fundamental rights of free speech and assembly. Our civic space must not shrink further.” Lagos State Police command PRO Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the attack saying investigations are on to find out those behind the attack. “The Jakande Ward Chairman of the Labour Party commendably reported an attack on his party members at Ilasan Division. Four injured persons have been given medical attention. The Divisional Police Officer, Ilasan, has commenced preliminary investigations while the State Criminal Investigation Department is to fully take over investigations. “The injured and other witnesses are assisting the Police with relevant information that would aid the apprehension and prosecution of the attackers. “This attack is reprehensible! It is verifiable that the Command had stationed, since yesterday, patrol vehicles and officers at the Tafawa Balewa Square venue of today’s rally. We had already secured the venue to prevent any breakdown of law and order,” Hundeyin said in a series of tweets on Saturday.
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