The Obidient Movement, a political group supporting Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, has vowed to mobilize its members for nationwide protests if its coordinators arrested in Akwa Ibom State are not released. The group accused the police of using state power to suppress peaceful political expression. Dr. Ben Smith, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, and Elijah Noah, the OK Movement coordinator, were arrested during a confrontation between security operatives and supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso in Uyo.
According to the movement, the arrests were made while its members were participating in or supporting a peaceful political procession. The group claimed that the arrests amounted to an attack on the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their political views. The Obidient Movement demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the detained coordinators and other members who may still be in custody.
The movement warned that continued detention or harassment of its members could lead to wider protests across the country. It accused the police of intimidation and harassment, alleging that the action was politically motivated. The group argued that identifying with the Obidient Movement could not, by itself, constitute an offence, adding that their simple offence was identifying as Obidients, a fundamental human right guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command had directed political parties, groups, and associations to suspend and reschedule rallies, meetings, and processions planned for October 1, citing security intelligence and concerns that political gatherings could be exploited to cause disturbances or threaten public peace. The OK Movement had requested approval for a two-million-man march in Uyo on October 1, but the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, advised them to choose another date due to concerns over possible clashes with other political activities.
Despite the advice, the OK Movement proceeded with the procession, leading to the arrest of its members, including Noah. Smith was later reportedly arrested after going to the police station to facilitate the release of Noah and other detained members. The police rejected reports that firearms were discharged during the operation, with the command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, stating that no shooting incident was recorded.
The controversy has attracted the attention of Peter Obi, who condemned the arrests and said Nigeria’s Independence would mean little if citizens could not express themselves within the law. Obi called for a political environment where citizens can hold different views without fear. The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over reports that citizens were arrested because of their political affiliation.
The Obidient Movement has maintained that its political activities were intended to be peaceful. The group urged the authorities to act quickly to prevent the situation from escalating, warning that continued action against its members could trigger protests beyond Akwa Ibom. It emphasized that it will not stand by and watch the fundamental rights of its members trampled upon with impunity.
Key points
- The Obidient Movement threatens nationwide protests if its coordinators are not released.
- The group accuses the police of using state power to suppress peaceful political expression.
- Peter Obi condemns the arrests, calling for a political environment where citizens can express themselves without fear.
