PRESS STATEMENT
PDP CONDEMNS ARREST OF EWA OKPO, ESQ.
The National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party has received the disturbing news of the arrest of Ewa Okpo, Esq., the Publicity Secretary of our Akwa Ibom State chapter, on the petition by Sen. Effiong Bob over the exercise of his constitutional right of freedom of speech.
We have made contact and are aware that the police authorities at the Quick Intervention Unit, Ikot Akpan Abia, are currently interviewing Ewa on the subject of the petition, which is ex facie civil in nature, not requiring the intervention of the police. However, We are hopeful that the police will exhibit professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Furthermore, we strongly condemn any attempt by highly placed people to use security agencies to hound and intimidate real or perceived opponents, into political submission. We remind them that every person’s antecedence is an open book, which the world is invited to read. And when their book is out in the public, the concomitant reaction is better imagined.
To this end, the National Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee has directed the National Legal Adviser to immediately set up a high-powered legal team to provide legal representation to Ewa Okpo, Esq., and another party faithful in Akwa Ibom State who has been targeted for oppression by anti-free speech persons or institutions.
The party will defend any of its official or member who is arrested, intimidated or threatened in the course of the exercise of their fundamental or political rights, which are protected by the constitution.
Signed:
Comrade Ini Ememobong, MNI
National Publicity Secretary
Peoples Democratic Party
Interim National Working Committee
30062026
