 |
| Photo credit — Peter Obi |
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has publicly condemned reports of the arrest of an Obidient Movement coordinator in Akwa Ibom State.
According to multiple Nigerian news outlets, including Naija News, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command allegedly arrested Dr. Ben Smith, identified as the Obidient Coordinator for the state. The incident reportedly occurred while Smith was attempting to facilitate the release of other Obidient Movement members, among them Elijah Noah, who had been detained earlier.
Reports indicate the earlier detentions took place in connection with a planned procession or march in Uyo around Nigeria’s Independence Day (1 October). Supporters of the broader Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement and related groups had organised activities described in some accounts as a large-scale march. Police had issued directives regarding political gatherings, citing security concerns. Accounts from movement supporters and aides described the use of tear gas and the detention of participants, including Noah, the state coordinator of the OK Movement in some reports. Smith was then said to have been arrested at Ikot Akpan Abia after going to assist those already held.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Obi reacted to the developments. He emphasised that Nigerians should be free to express political affiliations without fear, provided they remain within the law, and framed the reported arrests as a matter of democratic concern.
“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,” Obi stated.
He linked the issue to the meaning of national independence: “Independence means very little if citizens cannot freely express themselves, within the bounds of the law, without fear.”
Obi also commented on what he described as a broader societal problem in which individuals who once opposed injustice may later defend or tolerate similar actions once in 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 some who previously spoke against injustice can become indifferent when it affects those with differing views.
Concluding his remarks, Obi argued that true independence should deliver freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance, and abuse of power, and that Nigeria must belong to all its citizens regardless of political affiliation. “Our independence must ultimately mean freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power. Nigeria must belong to all of us,” he said.
RELATED ▶︎ Peter Obi: ‘We Are All Internally Displaced’ After Visiting Sokoto IDP Camp
Background and context
The Obidient Movement emerged as a grassroots support base around Peter Obi’s earlier presidential campaigns and continues as a network of supporters. Related structures, including the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, have been active in mobilising ahead of the 2027 general elections, in which Obi is the NDC presidential candidate (with Rabiu Kwankwaso as running mate in available reports). The NDC itself has been the subject of recent legal developments regarding its registration status.
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) protects freedom of expression (Section 39) and the right to peaceful assembly and association (Section 40), including belonging to political associations. These rights are subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, safety, and other lawful considerations. Police authorities in Akwa Ibom had cited security concerns in relation to planned political processions around Independence Day.
As of the latest available reports, the arrests remain characterised as alleged or reported by movement supporters, aides (including references to statements by individuals such as Esther Umoh), and news outlets. Official detailed statements from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command explaining the specific charges or legal basis, if any, were not fully detailed in initial coverage. Supporters have described the actions as intimidation, while authorities typically frame interventions around public order and compliance with directives on gatherings.
Why the episode draws attention
Incidents involving the detention of political organisers during periods of heightened mobilisation often raise questions about the balance between security management and the protection of constitutionally guaranteed political participation.
Independence Day provides a symbolic backdrop for discussions of civic freedoms. Obi’s intervention places the reports within a wider narrative about democratic culture, the conduct of those in authority, and the need for consistent application of rights irrespective of political affiliation.
Readers following Nigerian politics will recognise this as part of ongoing pre-2027 contestation, where support groups, party structures, and security agencies interact amid claims and counter-claims. Further developments—such as formal charges, releases, court processes, or additional official statements—would provide clearer factual resolution.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
Post a Comment