The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the arrest of its Akwa Ibom State Publicity Secretary, Ewa Okpo, Esq., describing the action as an attempt to intimidate opposition voices and suppress the constitutional right to freedom of speech.
The statement was signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Interim National Working Committee.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said it had been informed that Okpo was arrested following a petition reportedly filed by Senator Effiong Bob.
The party disclosed that Okpo was being interviewed by officers of the Police Quick Intervention Unit in Ikot Akpan Abia over the petition, which it described as “civil in nature” and not one requiring police intervention.
While expressing confidence that the police would act professionally, the PDP condemned what it described as the use of security agencies by influential individuals to harass and intimidate perceived political opponents.
“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 said.
The party further warned that public officials should be mindful that their actions and past records remain open to public scrutiny.
In response to the development, the PDP said its National Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee 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 who it alleged was also being targeted for exercising their right to free speech.
The opposition party reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its members and officials against what it termed unlawful intimidation, insisting that it would provide legal support for any member arrested, threatened or harassed while exercising their constitutional and political rights.
