The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the reported detention of members of the Obidient Movement in Akwa Ibom State.
He argued that Nigeria’s independence would have little significance if citizens were unable to express their opinions freely and lawfully without fear.
Obi made the remarks in a statement shared on his X handle on Friday, following the reported arrest of the Akwa Ibom Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Ben Smith, as well as the state coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, Elijah Noah.
The reported arrests occurred after security operatives disrupted a proposed “Two Million Man March” organised by supporters of Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Uyo on Thursday.
Reflecting on the significance of Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, Obi said freedom should include the ability of citizens to express their views within the provisions of the law.
He said reports of Nigerians being taken into custody merely because of their association with the Obidient Movement should concern everyone committed to democratic values and civil liberties.
The former Anambra State governor maintained that belonging to a political group should not be grounds for depriving citizens of their fundamental rights.
Obi further criticised the tendency of individuals who previously opposed oppression to become associated with actions they once condemned after attaining positions of influence.
He argued that people who had previously spoken against injustice should not become indifferent when similar allegations are made against individuals holding different political opinions.
According to him, such conduct should not become acceptable in Nigeria.
Obi stressed that the essence of independence should extend beyond freedom from colonial rule to include protection from intimidation, unfair treatment, intolerance and misuse of authority.
The development came after the Akwa Ibom State Police Command instructed political parties, organisations and associations to postpone rallies, gatherings and processions that had earlier been approved for October 1.
The command explained that the decision followed security information suggesting that some persons could take advantage of political activities to create disturbances and jeopardise public safety.
Despite the directive, supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso proceeded with preparations for the proposed march in Uyo.
Noah was subsequently arrested during the incident. Reports also indicated that police officers moved against participants as the procession was being disrupted.
The police later stated that Noah and other individuals were taken into custody after proceeding with the procession despite the instruction to postpone the event.
According to the Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, organisers had earlier met with the command and agreed that the march would be rescheduled. He added that individuals who violated the directive could face prosecution.
Hours after Noah’s reported arrest, Smith was also taken into custody at Ikot Akpan Abia after reportedly accompanying other supporters who were seeking the release of Noah and other detained members.
The reported detention of Smith was announced by Esther Umoh, a media aide to Obi, who described the development as intimidation.
Before the arrests, Smith had protested the cancellation of the procession, claiming that organisers had spent more than N20 million on mobilisation efforts across the 31 local government areas of the state.
He also claimed that the police had initially granted approval for the event before later directing the organisers to postpone it.
Smith appealed to supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while stating that another date for the march would be announced.
