Obi-Kwankwaso Rally Organiser Reportedly Arrested Ahead of Akwa Ibom Rally
A man identified as Elijah, reportedly one of the organisers of the planned Obi-Kwankwaso rally in Akwa Ibom State, was allegedly arrested by security operatives on Thursday morning.
The report was made public by social media blogger ChuksEricE, who shared the information on Thursday morning.
The reported arrest comes amid controversy over the planned rally, following a directive by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command ordering political parties, groups and associations to reschedule rallies, meetings, processions and other political activities earlier scheduled for October 1.
The police said the directive followed security concerns and intelligence suggesting that some individuals could exploit the gatherings to cause disturbances or threaten public peace. The Command said the directive was precautionary and non-partisan.
Meanwhile, the reported arrest of Elijah has generated reactions on social media, with some Nigerians questioning the implications of the development for political activities and freedom of assembly.
One X user wrote: “Is it not better to have a military rule than have a democracy without the free will and freedom of Nigerians?”
Another wrote: “A democracy where you get arrest for mere political rally, signage pulled down, every act of campaign by the opposition is frustrated by the govt, is that one democracy?”
Another user commented: “The Government of the people by the people have turned against the people to oppress the people.”
Reacting to the development, another X user urged Nigerians to draw attention to the matter on social media and called on others to continue with the rally.
