The People’s Organic Movement (POM) has condemned what it described as the unlawful arrest and detention of peaceful supporters of Mr. Peter Obi in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, calling for their immediate and unconditional release.
In a strongly worded protest letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the group alleged that the arrests were carried out on the orders of the Akwa Ibom State Governor and executed by the State Commissioner of Police, describing the action as “a brazen display of political intolerance and abuse of power.”
The group further revealed that Dr. Ben Smith, State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, was also detained after visiting the Police Command to secure bail for the arrested supporters. POM described his detention as “illegal and tyrannical.”
Convener of the movement, Rev. Eliashib Ime-James, warned that the clampdown was a direct assault on the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly and association under Section 40.
“Peaceful gathering and expression of political choice is not a crime. This unconstitutional clampdown on opposition voices is a dangerous provocation capable of igniting a national revolt,” the statement read.
POM insisted that the Nigeria Police Force is a national institution funded by taxpayers and must not be used as a political tool by any state government.
The group demanded the release of Dr. Smith and all detained supporters within hours, warning that failure to comply would force them to mobilize nationwide protests and pursue legal remedies.
The protest letter was copied to the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and major media houses, including Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com).
