The Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the arrest of the party’s Akwa Ibom State Publicity Secretary, Ewa Okpo, describing it as an attempt to intimidate political opponents and undermine the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
The faction said Okpo was arrested following a petition allegedly filed by Effiong Bob over comments he made in the course of his duties as the party’s spokesman in the state. It described the development as disturbing, particularly as the remarks in question were made in the context of political communication and party advocacy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the Turaki-led PDP said it had established contact with Okpo and confirmed that he was being interviewed by police operatives at the Quick Intervention Unit in Ikot Akpan Abia.
The party said it was closely monitoring the situation and would not allow any of its members to be subjected to unlawful pressure.
The party maintained that the issues raised in the petition were civil in nature and did not warrant police intervention, expressing confidence that the police would handle the matter professionally.
It added that disputes arising from political statements should ordinarily be resolved through lawful and democratic means rather than through arrests and intimidation.
It also condemned what it described as attempts by influential individuals to use security agencies to harass and intimidate perceived political opponents into submission.
According to the faction, such actions undermine democratic practice, weaken public confidence in institutions and create an atmosphere of fear within the political space.
The statement disclosed that the National Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, had directed the National Legal Adviser to immediately constitute a high-powered legal team to defend Okpo and another party member in Akwa Ibom State allegedly facing similar intimidation.
The party said the legal team would ensure that the rights of its members are protected and that due process is observed at every stage.
According to the faction, it remains committed to defending any of its officials or members who are arrested, threatened or intimidated while exercising their constitutional and political rights.
It urged party members across the country to remain calm, law-abiding and steadfast in the face of what it described as growing attempts to silence dissenting voices.
“The party will defend any of its official or member who is arrested, intimidated or threatened in the course of the exercise of their fundamental or political rights, which are protected by the Constitution,” the statement added.
