The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the arrest of its Akwa Ibom State Publicity Secretary, Ewa Okpo, describing the development as an attempt to intimidate political opponents and undermine the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
The faction alleged that Okpo was arrested following a petition reportedly filed by Effiong Bob over comments he made while carrying out his duties as the party’s spokesperson in the state. It described the arrest as disturbing, arguing that the remarks in question were made within the context of political communication and party advocacy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the faction said it had established contact with Okpo and confirmed that he was being questioned by police operatives at the Quick Intervention Unit in Ikot Akpan Abia.
According to the statement, the party is closely monitoring the situation and will not allow any of its members to be subjected to unlawful pressure or intimidation.
The faction maintained that the issues raised in the petition were civil in nature and did not warrant police intervention. It expressed confidence that the Nigeria Police Force would handle the matter professionally and in accordance with the law.
The statement further argued that disputes arising from political statements should be resolved through lawful and democratic processes rather than through arrests or intimidation.
The party also condemned what it described as attempts by influential individuals to deploy security agencies to harass and intimidate perceived political opponents, warning that such actions undermine democratic practice, erode public confidence in state institutions and create an atmosphere of fear within the political space.
The faction disclosed that its Interim National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, had directed the National Legal Adviser to immediately constitute a high-powered legal team to defend Okpo and another party member in Akwa Ibom State who is allegedly facing similar intimidation.
According to the statement, the legal team has been mandated to ensure that the rights of the affected members are protected and that due process is observed throughout the proceedings.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting its members, the faction said it would continue to defend any party official or member who is arrested, threatened or intimidated while exercising their constitutional and political rights.
It also urged party members across the country to remain calm, law-abiding and steadfast in the face of what it described as growing attempts to silence dissenting voices.
“The party will defend any of its officials or members who are arrested, intimidated or threatened in the course of exercising their fundamental or political rights, which are protected by the Constitution,” the statement said.
