Nigerian politician Peter Obi has strongly criticized the recent arrest of Elijah Noah, the Akwa Ibom State coordinator for the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, following a disrupted Independence Day march in Uyo.

In a public statement, Obi condemned the police action as a direct assault on freedom of expression and fundamental democratic rights. He emphasized that every Nigerian holds the constitutional right to peaceful political association and expression without facing intimidation, provided their actions remain lawful. According to Obi, national independence loses its true meaning if citizens live in fear of expressing their views or supporting their chosen political movements.

Furthermore, Obi expressed deep concern over a recurring societal pattern where former activists and freedom fighters abandon their principles once they attain positions of authority, sometimes becoming indifferent to or supportive of oppression when it impacts political opponents. He concluded by stressing that Nigeria must evolve into a nation where true freedom encompasses protection from fear, injustice, and the abuse of power, ensuring the country remains an inclusive home for all citizens regardless of political affiliation.