The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Taminu Turaki has condemned the arrest of its Akwa Ibom State Publicity Secretary, Ewa Okpo, describing the arrest as an attempt to intimidate opposition figures and suppress the exercise of their constitutional rights.
Key Highlight:
- PDP condemns spokesperson’s arrest: The Taminu Turaki-led faction of the PDP condemned the arrest of its Akwa Ibom Publicity Secretary, Ewa Okpo, describing it as political intimidation.
- Questioned over petition: Okpo is being interviewed by police following a petition reportedly filed by former Senator Effiong Bob.
- PDP calls matter civil: The party argued that the petition is a civil matter that should not require police intervention, while expressing hope for professionalism from the police.
- Alleges misuse of security agencies: The PDP accused influential figures of using security agencies to intimidate and silence political opponents.
- Legal team to defend members: The party has directed its legal adviser to assemble a legal team to represent Okpo and another member, reaffirming its commitment to defending members’ constitutional and political rights.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party said Okpo is currently being questioned by officers of the Police Quick Intervention Unit in Ikot Akpan Abia, over a petition reportedly filed by former Senator Effiong Bob.
The PDP argued that the matter is purely civil and should not have attracted police involvement.
“We have made contact and are aware that the police authorities at the Quick Intervention Unit, Ikot Akpan Abia, are currently interviewing Ewa on the subject of the petition, which is ex facie civil in nature and does not require police intervention.
“However, we are hopeful that the police will exhibit professionalism in the discharge of their duties,” the statement said.
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The opposition party accused influential individuals of weaponising security agencies to silence political opponents, warning against what it described as a growing trend of using state institutions for political persecution.
“We strongly condemn any attempt by highly placed people to use security agencies to hound and intimidate real or perceived opponents into political submission,” the statement added.
The party further disclosed that the national chairman of the interim national working committee has directed the national legal adviser to assemble a high-powered legal team to represent Okpo and another party member in Akwa Ibom State.
According to the PDP, the legal intervention is aimed at safeguarding members who it believes are being targeted for exercising their constitutional and political rights.
“The party will defend any of its officials or members who are arrested, intimidated or threatened in the course of the exercise of their fundamental or political rights, which are protected by the constitution,” the statement concluded.
