Peter Obi raises alarm over arrest of cleric in Kaduna

A chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, on Tuesday raised concerns over what he described as a “troubling” development in Nigeria’s democratic space following the arrest of a cleric who hosted him on Sunday in Kaduna.

 

Obi, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party,  in a post shared on his X account, said the cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, was arrested shortly after he left Kaduna on Sunday.“I have just been made aware early this morning that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna on Sunday,” Obi said.

READ MORE  Commission of Enquiry to probe alleged N107b diverted by former Gov Yari

The former Anambra State governor described the incident as indicative of a worsening environment for civil liberties, warning that the situation could undermine Nigeria’s democratic principles if not urgently addressed.

overlay-clever“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened, and where citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecution. This cannot be allowed to continue,” he said.

Obi said the protection of fundamental freedoms remains essential in a democratic society, urging authorities to uphold the rule of law in their dealings with citizens.

“This country must defend freedom and free speech, which are the hallmarks of every democratic society. Suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democratic society, and this Nigerian government must understand this fact,” he added.

READ MORE  Propcom+ to boost 3.79m Nigerians through agricultural devt

He called on relevant authorities to refrain from actions capable of weakening democratic institutions.

“I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to please stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens,” Obi said.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here