Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the reported arrest of Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, describing it as a troubling sign for Nigeria’s democracy and civil liberties.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Obi said he was informed that Umar was taken into custody by security operatives shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday.
The former Anambra State governor warned that the development pointed to a growing climate of repression, where freedom of speech and movement was under threat.
“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,” Obi said.
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He stressed that democratic societies were anchored on the protection of fundamental rights, including free expression, and cautioned against any attempt to suppress dissenting voices.
“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,” he added.
Obi also called on authorities to adhere strictly to the rule of law and democratic principles in dealing with citizens, urging those in positions of power to desist from actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s fragile democratic system.
The cleric’s arrest is believed to have occurred late Monday, reportedly carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), although there has been no official confirmation from the agency or the police regarding the development or the reasons for his detention.
Obi and Umar had met on March 22 in Kaduna alongside supporters and Lawal Adamu Usman, where discussions reportedly focused on national unity and governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The absence of an official explanation for the arrest has triggered reactions from Obi’s allies, who allege political intimidation, while critics have raised concerns over due process and transparency in the actions of security agencies.
Credit: https://www.primebusiness.africa/obi-condemns-arrest-of-kaduna-cleric-after-post-meeting-detention/
