Obi Raises Alarm Over Arrest Of Kaduna Cleric After Hosting Him

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over what he described as a “troubling” development in Nigeria’s democratic space following the arrest of a cleric who recently hosted him in Kaduna State.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Obi revealed that the religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, was reportedly arrested by authorities shortly after receiving him during a visit to Kaduna on Sunday.

“I have just been made aware early this morning that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna on Sunday,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor described the incident as reflective of a worsening climate for civil liberties, warning that such actions could erode Nigeria’s democratic foundations if left unchecked.

“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened, and where citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecution. This cannot be allowed to continue,” Obi stated.

He emphasised the need to safeguard fundamental freedoms, noting that respect for the rule of law remains critical in a democratic society.

“This country must defend freedom and free speech, which are the hallmarks of every democratic society. Suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democratic society, and this Nigerian government must understand this fact,” he added.

Obi also called on authorities to avoid actions capable of weakening democratic institutions.

“I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to please stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens,” he said.