Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential candidate for 2023, has expressed his concern over the recent arrest of the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure.
Like many Nigerians, Obi was disturbed by the national television news reports that showed the demeaning arrest of Abure in Benin City, Edo state.
Throughout his career as a private citizen, public figure, Governor, and now Presidential candidate, Obi has always emphasized the importance of the rule of law. He believes that all citizens, regardless of their societal status, should respect the authority of the law. However, he finds it unacceptable to see the National Chairman being treated in such a degrading manner during his arrest. He believes that such actions are a disgrace to our nation and only serve to further damage Nigeria’s already tarnished image.
Obi insists that such behavior should not only be condemned but also actively addressed to uphold justice and respect for individual dignity in our society. He emphasizes that while constitutional authorities should be allowed to perform their duties, they must also adhere to due process, civility, decency, and established arrest procedures. They should respect the dignity and rights of citizens and uphold the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’.
As the incumbent Chairman of the Labour Party, Abure is a significant figure in Nigeria’s political opposition. Obi stresses that political parties, as institutions of democratic statehood, should be treated with respect. He urges that no excuse should be used to suppress Nigeria’s political opposition and calls for Abure to be granted bail while the investigation into his alleged offence continues.
