Fresh Drama In Akwa Ibom: PDP Takes Legal Action After Spokesman’s Arrest

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the arrest of its Akwa Ibom State Publicity Secretary, Ewa Okpo, describing the action as an attack on his constitutional right to freedom of expression.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released on Tuesday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party’s Interim National Working Committee, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP alleged that Okpo’s arrest followed a petition submitted by Senator Effiong Bob.

According to the party, it has confirmed that Okpo is currently being questioned by officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Quick Intervention Unit in Ikot Akpan Abia.

The PDP argued that the issues raised in the petition are civil in nature and should not require police involvement. Nevertheless, it expressed confidence that the officers handling the matter would conduct the investigation professionally and in line with the law.

The opposition party also accused influential individuals of allegedly using security agencies to intimidate political opponents, warning against what it described as attempts to silence dissenting voices through state institutions.

It maintained that public figures should be prepared for scrutiny of their actions and records, stressing that political disagreements should not be resolved through intimidation.

The PDP further disclosed that its National Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee has directed the party’s National Legal Adviser to constitute a high-powered legal team to represent Okpo.

According to the statement, the legal team will also provide legal support for another PDP member in Akwa Ibom State whom the party claims is facing victimisation from individuals or groups opposed to free expression.

Reaffirming its position, the PDP pledged to stand by all its members and officials who face arrest, harassment or intimidation while exercising their constitutional and political rights.

The party insisted that it would continue to use every lawful means available to defend its members against actions it considers politically motivated or inconsistent with the protections guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.