PDP faction faults arrest of Akwa Ibom spokesperson, offers legal support

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The Taminu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has condemned the arrest of its Akwa Ibom State Publicity Secretary, Ewa Okpo, describing the action as an attempt to intimidate opposition figures over the exercise of their constitutional rights.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party said Okpo was being questioned by officers of the Police Quick Intervention Unit in Ikot Akpan Abia following a petition reportedly filed by former Senator Effiong Bob.

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According to the PDP, the matter is civil in nature and does not warrant police intervention.

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“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,” the statement read.

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The opposition party also criticised what it described as the use of security agencies to suppress political opponents.

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“We strongly condemn any attempt by highly placed people to use security agencies to hound and intimidate real or perceived opponents into political submission,” the PDP said.

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The party disclosed that its National Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee had directed the National Legal Adviser to constitute a high-powered legal team to represent Okpo and another party member in Akwa Ibom State.

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According to the statement, the legal support is intended to protect party members who it claims are being targeted over the exercise of their constitutional and political rights.

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“The party will defend any of its officials or members who are arrested, intimidated or threatened in the course of the exercise of their fundamental or political rights, which are protected by the constitution,” the PDP stated.

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