The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has condemned the arrest of an Obidient Movement coordinator in Akwa Ibom State. He recently had his say via a press statement posted on X following reports that Elijah Noah, the state coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, was arrested after police moved to stop an Independence Day march in Uyo.
Describing the incident as a threat to freedom of expression and democratic rights, Obi stated that Nigerians should be able to express their political affiliations without fear, as long as they act within the law.
He concluded by saying that Nigeria’s independence is very meaningless without genuine freedom.
His words, “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.
Independence means very little if citizens cannot freely express themselves, within the bounds of the law, without fear.
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.
Our independence must ultimately mean freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power. Nigeria must belong to all of us.”
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