Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has said Nigeria’s independence would have little meaning if citizens could not freely express themselves within the law without fear.
Mr Obi stated this in an Independence Day message while reacting to reports that some Nigerians in Akwa Ibom State were arrested for identifying with the Obidient Movement.
He said such reports should concern Nigerians who believe in democracy and fundamental freedoms, particularly where citizens were merely exercising their constitutional rights.
“One of the greatest tragedies of our society is that people who once described themselves as freedom fighters can become defenders of oppression when they eventually occupy positions of authority,” Mr Obi said.
He said those who once complained about injustice could become comfortable with it when it was perpetrated against people with whom they disagreed.
“That must not be the Nigeria we accept,” he said.
According to Mr Obi, Nigeria’s independence must ultimately translate into freedom from fear, injustice, intolerance and abuse of power.
“Nigeria must belong to all of us,” he added.
