Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reacted to the reported arrest of some Nigerians in Akwa Ibom State over their alleged identification with the Obidient Movement.
Obi condemned the arrest in an Independence Day message, where he said that Nigeria’s independence would mean little if citizens could not freely express themselves within the law and without fear.
According to him, the reports that some Nigerians in Akwa Ibom were arrested simply for identifying with the Obidient Movement should concern citizens who believe in democracy and freedom.
Obi described such identification as a constitutional right.
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“Independence means very little if citizens cannot freely express themselves, within the bounds of the law, without fear,” Obi said.
The development comes amid controversy over a planned two-million-man march by the Obidient Movement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in support of Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command had directed political parties, groups and associations to reschedule rallies, meetings and processions scheduled for October 1, citing security concerns and intelligence indicating a possibility of disturbances.
The Obidient Movement subsequently accused the police of frustrating the planned march and said it had incurred more than N20 million in mobilisation and logistics expenses.
Obi, in his Independence Day message, also warned against a situation where people who once advocated freedom and justice would later defend oppression after attaining 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,” he said.
He added that those who once complained about injustice could become comfortable with injustice when it was allegedly being perpetrated against people they disagreed with.
Obi said 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,” he said.
