The Obidient Movement has condemned the arrest of its Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, Dr Ben Smith, State Coordinator of the OK Movement, Mr Elijah Noah, and other members during a peaceful march in the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by its Media and Communications Director, Mr Onyeka Dike, in Abuja.
The statement describes the arrests as an infringement on the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and political expression.
It explains that its members were peacefully exercising their rights when they were arrested by the police, and called for the immediate and unconditional release of those in custody.
The statement also accuses the Akwa Ibom State Police Command of using excessive measures against the protesters and urged the authorities to end what it described as intimidation and harassment of opposition supporters.
It further calls on the police and other relevant authorities to respect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, expression and protest, irrespective of political affiliation.
According to the statement, the Movement says continued arrests and restrictions on peaceful political activities could deepen public frustration and called for dialogue rather than confrontation.
It warns that efforts to suppress peaceful political expression could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
The statement reiterates its demand for the release of the arrested coordinators and other members, while urging the authorities to take steps to prevent further escalation.
It says its commitment to peaceful civic engagement remained firm, stressing that citizens should be allowed to express their political views within the law.
