The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the reported arrest of members of the Obidient Movement in Akwa Ibom State.
This was as he stated that Nigeria’s independence means little if citizens cannot freely express themselves within the law.
Obi said this in a statement posted on his X account on Friday, following the arrest of the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Ben Smith, and the state coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, Elijah Noah.
The arrests followed the disruption of a planned “Two Million Man March” by supporters of Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Uyo on Thursday.
Obi said, “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.”
He said reports that Nigerians were arrested simply for identifying with the Obidient Movement should concern citizens who believe in democracy and freedom.
The former Anambra State governor added that political affiliation should not be used as a basis for denying citizens their rights.
“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.
He added that those who once complained about injustice should not become comfortable with it when it was allegedly being perpetrated against people with opposing political views.
“That must not be the Nigeria we accept,” he said.
Obi maintained that Nigeria’s independence should translate into freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power, stressing that the country belongs to all citizens.
The controversy followed the Akwa Ibom State Police Command’s directive ordering political parties, groups and associations to reschedule rallies, meetings and processions earlier approved for October 1.
This was as the police said the decision was based on security intelligence indicating that some individuals could exploit political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace.
The planned march, organised in support of Obi and Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections, was subsequently disrupted in Uyo.
Noah was arrested during the incident, with reports indicating that police officers moved against supporters gathered for the procession. Videos circulating online also showed officers taking Noah towards a police vehicle.
The police later said Noah and others were arrested after proceeding with the march despite the directive to reschedule the event.
According to the Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, the organisers had attended a meeting with the command where they agreed to reschedule the march. He said the police would prosecute those found to have violated the directive.
Hours later, Smith was reportedly arrested at Ikot Akpan Abia after going with other supporters to facilitate the release of Noah and other detained members.
The reported arrest was disclosed by Esther Umoh, a media aide to Obi, who described the development as intimidation.
Before the arrests, Smith had criticised the cancellation of the march, claiming that the organisers had spent more than N20m mobilising supporters across the state’s 31 local government areas.
He also alleged that the police had earlier approved the event before directing the organisers to reschedule it.
Smith urged supporters to remain law-abiding and said a new date for the march would be communicated.