The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the reported arrest of members of the Obidient Movement in Akwa Ibom State. In a statement posted on his social media account, Obi stated that Nigeria's independence is meaningless if citizens cannot freely express themselves within the law. The arrests were made following the disruption of a planned "Two Million Man March" by supporters of Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Uyo.
The Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Ben Smith, and the state coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, Elijah Noah, were arrested on Thursday. The arrests came after the police directed political parties, groups, and associations to reschedule rallies, meetings, and processions earlier approved for October 1, citing security intelligence that some individuals could exploit political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace. Despite this, the organisers proceeded with the march, leading to the arrest of Noah and other supporters.
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 stated that the police would prosecute those found to have violated the directive. The police later arrested Smith at Ikot Akpan Abia after he went with other supporters to facilitate the release of Noah and other detained members. A media aide to Obi described the development as intimidation.
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. He added that political affiliation should not be used as a basis for denying citizens their rights. The former Anambra State governor also stated that one of the greatest tragedies of their society is that people who once described themselves as freedom fighters can become defenders of oppression when they eventually occupy positions of authority.
The controversy surrounding the arrest of Obidient Movement members has sparked concerns among citizens who believe in democracy and freedom. Obi's statement has been seen as a call to action, urging Nigerians to stand up against oppression and defend their rights. The incident has also raised questions about the role of the police in ensuring public peace and the limits of their power in regulating political activities.
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.
The incident has highlighted the tensions between the police and political groups in Nigeria, particularly in the run-up to the 2027 general elections. Obi's reaction to the arrest of Obidient Movement members has been seen as a demonstration of his commitment to defending the rights of his supporters and promoting democracy in Nigeria. The police have yet to comment on the incident, but it is clear that the controversy will continue to be a subject of debate in the coming days.
Key points
- Peter Obi condemns the arrest of Obidient Movement members in Akwa Ibom, citing concerns about freedom of expression and democracy.
- The arrests were made following the disruption of a planned "Two Million Man March" by supporters of Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Uyo.
- Obi stresses that Nigeria's independence should translate into freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance, and abuse of power.
