PDP faction faults arrest of Akwa Ibom spokesperson, offers legal support

A faction of Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Taminu Turaki, has strongly condemned the arrest of Ewa Okpo, the party's Publicity Secretary in Akwa Ibom State. The faction views the arrest as a deliberate effort to intimidate opposition figures who are exercising their constitutional rights.

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We have made contact and are aware that the police authorities at the Quick Intervention Unit, Ikot Akpan Abia, are currently interviewing Ewa on the subject of the petition, which is ex facie civil in nature, not requiring the intervention of the police. However, we are hopeful that the police will exhibit professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

According to the PDP faction, Okpo is currently being questioned by the Police Quick Intervention Unit in Ikot Akpan Abia following a petition reportedly filed by former Senator Effiong Bob. The party asserts that the underlying issue is civil in nature and does not necessitate police involvement. "We have made contact and are aware that the police authorities... are currently interviewing Ewa on the subject of the petition, which is ex facie civil in nature, not requiring the intervention of the police," stated the party's National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.

The PDP faction also criticized the alleged use of security agencies to suppress 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 read. The party emphasized its commitment to defending members targeted for exercising their fundamental or political rights.

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We strongly condemn any attempt by highly placed people to use security agencies to hound and intimidate real or perceived opponents into political submission.

In response, the PDP's National Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee has directed the National Legal Adviser to assemble a high-powered legal team. This team will represent Okpo and another party member in Akwa Ibom State, providing legal support to protect party officials and members who claim to be targeted for exercising their constitutionally protected rights.

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The party will defend any of its officials or members who are arrested, intimidated or threatened in the course of the exercise of their fundamental or political rights, which are protected by the constitution.