Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has condemned the reported arrest of members of the Obidient Movement in Akwa Ibom State, saying citizens should not be intimidated for expressing their political affiliations within the law.

Obi spoke after reports that Elijah Noah, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, was arrested when police moved to stop an Independence Day march in Uyo on Thursday.

Reacting in a statement posted on X, Obi said the reported arrest raised concerns about citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association.

He said Nigerians should be able to identify with political movements and express their views without fear of intimidation, provided they remain within the law.

“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 said.

The former governor said the essence of independence should include the freedom of citizens to express themselves without fear.

“Independence means very little if citizens cannot freely express themselves, within the bounds of the law, without fear,” he stated.

Obi also criticised what he described as a recurring situation where individuals who once opposed injustice later defend actions they previously condemned after attaining 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 further argued that opposition to injustice should not depend on the political identity of those affected.

Obi said Nigeria’s independence should guarantee freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power, stressing that every citizen has a stake in the country.

“Our independence must ultimately mean freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power. Nigeria must belong to all of us,” he said.