Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has reacted to the arrest of supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Akwa Ibom State, saying Nigeria’s independence means little if citizens cannot freely express themselves within the law without fear.
Obi made the remarks on October 2, a day after Akwa Ibom State Police halted a planned solidarity march in Uyo and arrested several supporters, including coordinators of the movement.
Key Highlights
- Peter Obi reacts to arrests of supporters in Akwa Ibom State.
- Obi said independence means little without freedom of expression.
- Police halted a planned Obi-Kwankwaso solidarity march in Uyo.
- Elijah Noah, the state OK Movement coordinator, was among those arrested.
- Dr Ben Smith, the state Obidient coordinator, was subsequently reported arrested.
- Police said the organisers had disregarded a directive to reschedule political activities.
- Supporters described the arrests as an infringement on peaceful political expression.
- Police said those arrested were assisting investigations and could face prosecution if found culpable.
Peter Obi Reacts to Arrests in Akwa Ibom
Reacting to reports of the arrests, Peter Obi expressed concern over the detention of people associated with the Obidient Movement.
Obi said reports that individuals were arrested simply for identifying with the movement should concern Nigerians who believe in democracy and freedom, particularly where such political identification is lawful.
He argued that the significance of Nigeria’s independence should include the ability of citizens to express themselves peacefully and within the law.
According to Obi, “independence means very little if citizens cannot freely express themselves, within the bounds of the law, without fear.”
He also warned against a situation where people who once advocated freedom could later restrict the freedoms of others after gaining political authority.
Why Were Obi-Kwankwaso Supporters Arrested?
The arrests followed a planned “Two Million Man March” in Uyo on October 1, organised by supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command had earlier directed political groups to reschedule rallies, meetings and processions planned for Independence Day.
The police said the directive was based on intelligence concerning possible disturbances and the need to maintain public order.
Police authorities subsequently said some organisers proceeded with the gathering despite the directive.
Elijah Noah Among Those Arrested
Elijah Noah, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, was arrested during the confrontation surrounding the planned march.
Videos circulated on social media showing armed officers taking Noah towards a police vehicle.
The police later said eight people were arrested during the operation and that those detained were assisting investigations.
The command maintained that suspects could face prosecution if investigations establish their culpability.
Ben Smith Also Reportedly Arrested
The situation continued the following day when Dr Ben Smith, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the Obidient Movement, was reportedly arrested at Ikot Akpan Abia.
Smith had reportedly gone with other supporters to seek the release of Noah and other detained members.
Reports said the number of people detained in connection with the incident had risen to around eight or nine, although accounts differed on the exact number at different stages.
The specific charges against the detained individuals had not been publicly detailed in the reports available at the time.
Police Defend Decision to Stop March
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has maintained that its decision to stop the planned political activities was based on security considerations rather than political affiliation.
According to the police, organisers had been informed that political rallies, meetings and processions scheduled for October 1 should be rescheduled.
The command said the decision followed intelligence indicating the possibility of disturbances.
Police authorities also said the organisers had agreed during a meeting to reschedule the event but later proceeded with the gathering.
Organisers Challenge Arrests
The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement and other supporters have challenged the arrests and called for the release of those detained.
The organisers said they had already invested significant resources in preparations for the march and had engaged authorities over the planned event.
They argued that the gathering was intended as a peaceful political activity and questioned the legal basis for the continued detention of their members.
The police, however, maintained that its intervention was connected to the enforcement of its security directive.
Debate Over Freedom of Assembly
The incident has generated renewed discussion over the balance between police powers to regulate public gatherings and citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly, political association and expression.
Supporters of Peter Obi have echoed his concerns about political freedom, while the police have emphasised public safety and compliance with lawful security directives.
The disagreement comes as political activities begin to intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
As of the latest reports, further clarification was still expected regarding the status of the detained individuals and whether formal charges would be filed. For more updates, follow us on X.
