The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the arrest of residents in Akwa Ibom linked to his support group, the Obidient Movement.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reportedly arrested the state coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Ben Smith, after he went, alongside other supporters, to facilitate the release of detained members of the Obi-Kwankwaso political movement from the police station.
This came after the police had apprehended the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the OK Movement, Elijah Noah, during an Independence Day march organised by supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in Uyo.
Reacting to the development, Obi noted that as Nigerians continue to reflect on the country’s independence, it must be remembered that independence means very little if citizens cannot freely express themselves, within the bounds of the law, without fear.
He stated that the reported arrests of some Nigerians in Akwa Ibom 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.
“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,” he said.
Obi stressed that 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,” he remarked.
The former Anambra State governor emphasised that Nigeria’s independence must ultimately mean freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance, and abuse of power.
He added that Nigeria must belong to every citizen.
