Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023 general elections, has raised serious concerns about recent developments in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for transparency, rule of law, and the protection of human rights.
Obi, in his social media post on Sunday, condemned the manner in which security agencies handled the arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). While acknowledging that the arrest may have been within legal bounds, Obi expressed alarm over the “disturbing” method used by security forces.
Obi described the arrest as resembling an abduction, citing the display of excessive force and the lack of civility and transparency.
“If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability,” he warned.
The former governor of Anambra State pointed out that this troubling trend was not isolated, referencing the recent mistreatment of Nigeria’s judiciary, which he believes has undermined public confidence in the rule of law.
He stressed that when the judicial system responsible for interpreting and upholding the law is treated with disdain, ordinary citizens may no longer feel protected by the law.
The prominent politician also highlighted the potential negative consequences of such actions on the country’s economy and business environment. He cited the backlash against GTBank, which has reportedly been linked to Mr. Otse’s arrest, leading to reputational damage.
Obi expressed concern that, at a time when investor confidence is already fragile, actions that tarnish national institutions could have lasting repercussions on both the domestic and international fronts.
“At a time when trust in our institutions is fragile, we must avoid actions that could further erode the confidence of both citizens and the global community,” Obi said. He questioned whether a more civil, transparent, and legal approach to Mr. Otse’s arrest might have spared Nigeria from unnecessary shame and losses.
Furthermore, Obi expressed grave concern over the alleged abduction of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) President. If true, he believes the incident raises serious questions about the independence of student leadership in the country.
“The oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalize,” Obi emphasized, calling for greater respect for the political voices of Nigeria’s youth.
While urging the nation to return to a state of justice and accountability, where both the youth and the judiciary are respected and protected, Obi said “We must rebuild a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse.”
Obi expressed his belief that a new, more just Nigeria is still possible, calling on all Nigerians to work towards a future built on transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
