Peter Obi Reacts To Arrest Of Labour Party Supporter, Nnamdi Chude In Anambra

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi has opened up about the arrest of one of the party’s supporters identified as Nnamdi Chude.

Obi in his reaction via a statement on Tuesday released on his Twitter account expressed disappointment with Nigeria’s poor declining performance in the rule of law, voice and accountability.

He also used the opportunity to warn against the arbitrary use of government office or political power, noting that there are consequences of occupying public office.

The Background

It would be recalled that while the Anambra State government had denied any involvement in the arrest of the Labour Party supporter, Nnamdi Chude by the Police, it confirmed that he was arrested for alleged cybercrime.

Chude had tweeted that the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had brought the state back to the era of ballot box snatching during the recently concluded state election.

In a statement, the press secretary to Governor Charles Soludo, Christian Aburime, revealed that Chude was arrested by the Cyber Crime Unit of Interpol in Anambra and taken to Abuja the following day.

He added that the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State had informed Governor Soludo of the arrest.

Obi Reacts

In his reaction on Tuesday, Obi called for restraint and pointed out that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that must be protected.

The LP presidential candidate stressed that both leaders and followers in the country must make efforts to build a better Nation where justice, fairness, equity, tolerance, prosperity, accountable leadership and rule of law shall reign with no Nigerian feeling suppressed or oppressed.

He said: “After due enquiries, I regret to say that the arrest of Mr Nnamdi Chude is a further confirmation of Nigeria’s poor and declining performance in the Rule of Law, Voice and Accountability, and other governance indicators

“With Voice, and Accountability, the No 1 key indicator of good governance, it is very important, particularly for those in authority to note and accept that freedom of expression is a fundamental right and ingredient for the development of a good society.

“While I appreciate that the freedoms must be exercised in line with the rule of law, arresting Nigerians for tweeting on their leaders and those in authority decimates the opportunity for inclusive governance and accountability which are highly needed in a developing country like Nigeria.

“As we are all Nigerians and Nigeria is our only country, we must continue to make efforts to build a better Nation where justice, fairness, equity, tolerance, prosperity, accountable leadership and rule of law shall reign with no Nigerian feeling suppressed or oppressed.

“As leaders, it is important for us to know that there are several consequences of occupying public office.

“For instance, citizens will have their different thoughts on us and we have the right to reply. Arbitrary use of our office or in an unrestrained way will do no one any good, including those in authority.”