The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has criticised the reported arrest of supporters of the Obidient Movement in Akwa Ibom.
The former Anambra governor noted that Nigeria’s independence means little if citizens cannot freely express themselves within the law.
Obi, in a statement on Friday, said reports of arrests linked to the movement should concern Nigerians who believe in democracy and freedom.
The development followed the cancellation by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command of political rallies, meetings and processions scheduled for October 1, citing security concerns. Police subsequently arrested the state coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, Elijah Noah, during an attempted Independence Day march in Uyo.
Reacting to the development, Obi said citizens’ rights to express their political views should not be restricted simply because they identify with a particular 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 warned against what he described as a recurring pattern in which people who once opposed oppression become comfortable with it after gaining positions of authority.
“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 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.
“Nigeria must belong to all of us,” he said.
