Peter Obi, member of the Coalition Party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), has expressed disgust at “troubling developments” in Nigeria that needs to be stopped immediately before they become difficult to tackle.
He said, there are “troubling developments in our polity that must be nipped in the bud”.
The former Governor of Anambra State made the statement in reaction to the arrest of Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar by authorities for hosting him on Sunday in Kaduna.
Obi said, the move against Sheikh Umar exposes the “deeply troubling” state of democracy in Nigeria.
In his reaction on X, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) said, “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.
“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy…This cannot be allowed to continue.”
Obi said, freedom and free speech are the “hallmarks” of every democratic society and must be guarded by Nigeria, adding, “suppression and intimidation of dissent” must not be tolerated.
He said, the “rule of law and tenets of democracy” must be applied when dealing with citizens.
Obi further reacted: “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.
“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.”
