PDP condemns arrest of Publicity secretary

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the arrest of Ewa Okpo, its Akwa Ibom State Publicity Secretary, describing it as an attempt to intimidate opponents using security agencies.

In a statement signed on Tuesday by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said it received the news of Okpo’s arrest following a petition by Senator Effiong Bob over the exercise of his constitutional right to freedom of speech.

The party noted that it has made contact and is aware that police authorities at the Quick Intervention Unit, Ikot Akpan Abia, are currently interviewing Okpo over the petition, which it described as ex facie civil in nature, not requiring the intervention of the police.

The party expressed hope that the police will exhibit professionalism in the discharge of their duties. The PDP also warned against the use of security agencies to hound and intimidate real or perceived opponents into political submission.

The statement reminded detractors that every person’s antecedents are an open book for the world to read, noting that when such records are made public, the resulting backlash is better imagined.

The party further disclosed that the National Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee has directed the National Legal Adviser to set up a high-powered legal team to represent Okpo and another party faithful in Akwa Ibom State, who it claims has been targeted for oppression by anti-free speech individuals or institutions.

The statement concluded that the party will defend any of its officials or members who are arrested, intimidated, or threatened while exercising their fundamental or political rights, which are protected by the constitution.