ABUJA, Nigeria – Chigozie Ifeanyichukwu, the Convener of the “UpNorth Ambassadors for Peter Obi”, was arrested on Sunday, August 20, 2023, in Abuja by a combined force of soldiers and policemen.
The arrest at the Area 1 Round About, Garki, has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society groups.
The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy, COPDEM, immediately reacted to the arrest, criticizing the security agencies for what they described as the “unlawful arrest” of peaceful protesters.
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According to them, the arrest is an affront to the democratic rights of Nigerians to freedom of expression and association.
The coalition’s spokesperson, Danjuma Garba, in a statement on Sunday, August 20, 2023, emphasized, “Nigeria is under a democratic government where the right to express divergent views is guaranteed in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Detailing the circumstances of Ifeanyichukwu’s arrest, the statement pointed out: “Chigozie who is also a member of COPDEM has every democratic right to express his dissatisfaction on any issue of national interest without intimidation… Chigozie was arrested on Sunday, August 20, 2023, while trying to express his democratic rights which is enshrined in the constitution.”
The coalition also claimed that some other citizens who gathered at City Gate in Abuja were dispersed by security personnel, resulting in several injuries.
They have demanded the “immediate release” of Chigozie and have cautioned security agencies to “embrace the rule of law in their day-to-day activities.”
This incident brings to the forefront the continuing tensions between government authorities and civil rights groups over the boundaries of freedom of expression and assembly in Nigeria.
With civil society organizations and rights groups closely monitoring the situation, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian government will respond to the mounting pressures and calls for Chigozie Ifeanyichukwu’s release.
