The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP has strongly condemned the arrest of its Akwa Ibom State Publicity Secretary, Ewa Okpo, labeling the development as an attempt to intimidate political opposition and suppress free speech.

A statement released by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party confirmed that Okpo was taken in for questioning by operatives of the Police Quick Intervention Unit at Ikot Akpan Abia. The police intervention reportedly follows a petition filed by former Senator Effiong Bob.

The PDP faction argued that the underlying issue highlighted in the petition is entirely civil in nature and does not warrant law enforcement or police interference. The statement criticized the trend of using state security agencies to harass to silence political opponents over the exercise of their fundamental rights.

To ensure his release and protect his constitutional rights, the National Chairman of the party’s Interim National Working Committee has directed the National Legal Adviser to immediately assemble a high-powered legal team to represent Okpo and another party member in Akwa Ibom State who is reportedly being targeted under similar circumstances.

While expressing hope that the police authorities will maintain strict professionalism, the PDP reiterated its commitment to defending its members against political intimidation and threats.