Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticized the Nigeria Police for their handling of the arrest of the party's National Chairman, Mr. Julius Abure. In a statement on his social media platform X, Obi expressed dissatisfaction, stating that there could have been a more democratic approach to Abure's arrest.
Abure and several LP party members were arrested in Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday, but have since been released. Following the arrest, Tijani Momoh, spokesperson for Zone 5 Police Headquarters in Benin City, explained that Abure was arrested over a petition related to attempted murder and conspiracy to commit dangerous harm. Momoh clarified that the police did not assault Abure during the arrest, although there was an altercation with individuals who attempted to prevent the arrest. He condemned the manner of the arrest, emphasizing the need to uphold principles of justice and respect in society.
The incident has sparked debates about the appropriate conduct of law enforcement agencies in a democratic society. Critics argue that the manner of Abure's arrest was undemocratic, while others believe it was justified due to the nature of the allegations against him. This development comes at a crucial time in Nigerian politics, with the 2023 elections drawing near and political tensions running high.
He said: “Like many Nigerians, I observed the distasteful national television news reports detailing the humiliating arrest of the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure, in Benin City, Edo.
“Throughout my roles as a private individual, public figure, Governor, and Presidential candidate, I consistently advocated for the paramount importance of upholding the rule of law in any sane society.
“I firmly believe that, as citizens, we are all duty-bound irrespective of our status in society to respond to invitations from properly constituted authority.
“My stance on this matter remains unwavering but does not explain watching the distressing image of our National Chairman lying on the ground in the name of arrest.
“This act is undesirable and unequivocally intolerable and must be condemned by any decent and civilized mind within the context of our present civic landscape in Nigeria.”
“Regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr Abure’s arrest, it is crucial to emphasise that while constitutional authorities must be allowed to execute their statutory functions, officers must adhere to due process and established arrest procedures.
“The officers must embody civility, decorum, respect for the dignity and rights of citizens, and, above all, the presumption of innocence.
“It is crucial to emphasise that as a leader within the Labour Party, Mr Abure represents, both personally and statutorily, as the incumbent Chairman of the LP, the face of political opposition in Nigeria,”.
