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Peter Obi sounds alarm following arrest of Cleric who hosted him in Kaduna
The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed serious concern over what he called a disturbing trend in Nigeria’s democracy following the arrest of a cleric who hosted him in Kaduna State.
Obi, sharing his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday morning, said he was informed that Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar was detained by authorities shortly after receiving him 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 stated.
The former governor of Anambra State described the arrest as a sign of a deteriorating environment for civil rights and warned that such actions could weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations if not checked.
“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 emphasized that protecting basic freedoms is crucial in any democracy, urging government officials to follow 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.
He also appealed to authorities to avoid actions that could weaken 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.
As of this report, no official statement had been issued by authorities regarding the arrest or the reasons behind it.
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