Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the reported arrest of members of the Obidient Movement in Akwa Ibom State, saying Nigeria’s independence cannot have real meaning without freedom of expression.
Obi, in a statement posted on X on Friday, said citizens should be able to express their political affiliations and views within the law without fear of arrest or intimidation.
His reaction followed the arrest of Elijah Noah, the Akwa Ibom coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, during a planned Independence Day march in Uyo on Thursday. The state coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Ben Smith, was also reportedly arrested after going with supporters to seek the release of detained members.
“As we continue to reflect on Nigeria’s Independence, we must remember that independence means very little if citizens cannot freely express themselves, within the bounds of the law, without fear,” Obi said.
He said the reported arrests should concern Nigerians who value democracy and freedom, particularly if the affected persons were detained because of their association with the Obidient Movement.
“Reports that some Nigerians in Akwa Ibom were arrested simply for identifying with the Obidient Movement should worry every Nigerian who believes in democracy and freedom, especially when such identification is a constitutional right,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also criticised what he described as a tendency for people who once opposed injustice to become comfortable with it when their political positions change.
“One of the greatest tragedies of our society is that people who once described themselves as freedom fighters can become defenders of oppression when they eventually occupy positions of authority,” Obi said.
“Those who once complained about injustice can become comfortable with injustice when it is being perpetrated against people they disagree with. That must not be the Nigeria we accept.”
The planned march, reportedly organised in support of Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, was disrupted after the Akwa Ibom State Police Command directed political parties, groups and associations to reschedule rallies, meetings and processions scheduled for October 1.
The command said the directive was based on security intelligence and concerns that political activities could be exploited to cause disturbances or threaten public peace. It also said organisers had been advised to choose another date.
Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, said the organisers had attended a meeting with the command and agreed to reschedule the march but later proceeded with it.
He said those arrested were taken into custody for investigation and that anyone found to have violated the directive could be prosecuted.
The incident has nevertheless generated criticism from supporters of the NDC and the Obidient Movement, who have questioned the handling of the planned procession and the arrests.
Obi said Nigeria’s independence should ultimately translate into freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power.
“Our independence must ultimately mean freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power,” he said.
“Nigeria must belong to all of us.”
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