By Tony Okafor, Awka
A prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, who hosted the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, on Sunday in Kaduna, has been arrested by security operatives.
As of press time, no reason had been given for his arrest.
Reacting to the development, former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, condemned the reported arrest of the cleric, describing it as a deeply troubling sign for Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday morning, Obi said he was informed that the cleric had been detained shortly after hosting him in Kaduna over the weekend.
“I have just been made aware this morning that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna on Sunday,” Obi stated.
He warned that such actions signal a growing pattern of intolerance and political repression in the country.
“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened, and where citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecution. This cannot be allowed to continue,” he said.
Obi emphasised the importance of protecting civil liberties, noting that genuine democratic governance depends on the safeguarding of fundamental human rights.
“This country must defend freedom and free speech, which are hallmarks of every democratic society. Suppression and intimidation of dissent can never be acceptable in a democracy, and this government must understand this,” he added.
He urged the government and law enforcement agencies to respect the rule of law.
“I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to stop and apply the rule of law and democratic principles in dealing with citizens,” Obi said.
