2027: Concern grows over threats to free speech in Akwa Ibom

There appear to be growing concerns over threats to free speech and the shrinking of democratic rights, including constructive criticism in Akwa Ibom State ahead of the general election scheduled for early next year.

The threats are coming in the form of tactics deployed by politicians, which include the hounding of opposition groups, strong-worded press statements targeting free expression and critical comments, as well as outright intimidation and legal restrictions.

It all began with the arrest and detention of Princess Godsown Udoito from Esit Eket local government, who was taken into custody by the police for criticising Governor Umo Eno’s alleged handling of the disputed Stubb Creek reserves in the local government area.

She is still in prison awaiting trial after her bail application was rejected by the court. Her appeal, which is being heard at the Calabar division of the Court of Appeal, has progressed rather slowly.

During the last media parley with the press community in the state to mark the third anniversary of Governor Eno’s administration, he said he would appeal any judgement entered in the case if not in his favour, adding that he needed to protect his fundamental rights in his personal capacity as a human being.

Months later, the arrest and detention of a prominent lawyer and the publicity secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ewa Okpo, this week has further raised concerns over the state government’s willingness to tolerate dissent and enable a level playing field for all political contenders in the state.

Confirming Okpo’s arrest, the state police command said in a statement made available to the media that Okpo was arrested and taken into custody on June 17th following a petition written by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Effiong Bob, a lawyer and a former senator and currently the political leader of Uyo senatorial district.

“The petition, dated 17th June, 2026, was filed on behalf of Senator Effiong Bob through Samuel Ikpo and Company Chambers. It alleges that one Mr Ewa Okpo published and circulated on his social media platforms videos and other materials containing statements alleged to be false, malicious, defamatory and injurious to the reputation and integrity of the petitioner.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command wishes to make it abundantly clear that social media is not a sanctuary for criminality. While the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression, that right does not confer a licence to fabricate falsehoods, malign the character of others, spread malicious content or use digital platforms to incite hatred, destroy reputation or undermine public peace,’’ Timfon John, the command’s spokesman, stated.

The command’s warning was immediately followed by a strongly-worded statement by the state government also sounding a note of warning to “purveyors of falsehood, fake news and malicious publications,” saying, “perpetrators will face the full weight of the law.’’

“Accordingly, the state government hereby cautions publishers, bloggers, social media influencers, content creators, online platforms, groups and individuals who originate, circulate or amplify false and malicious information to desist forthwith,” Aniekan Umanah, commissioner for Information, stated.

“Government reserves the right to take appropriate legal measures to ensure that any individual or organisation found to have published or disseminated false, injurious or malicious information capable of misleading the public, damaging reputations or undermining public confidence is held accountable through the relevant legal processes in accordance with the laws of Akwa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’’ he further said.

As expected, reactions have trailed the apparent move to curtail free expression and scuttle democratic rights of open discussion on political issues, including constructive criticisms; the PDP, in a statement, hurled the first salvo, saying persons were being targeted for oppression by the anti-free speech persons or institutions.’

“We strongly condemn any attempt by highly placed people to use security agencies to hound and intimidate real or perceived opponents into political submission. We remind them that every person’s antecedence is an open book which the world is invited to read. And when their book is out in the public, the concomitant reaction is better imagined,’’ Ini Ememobong, PDP national publicity secretary, said.

The two statements have generated debate and caused apprehension among those in the opposition camps and members of the public as political campaigns are set to commence for next year’s general elections.

They raise questions about the rights of individuals or groups to free expression and the ability of the politicians to tolerate scrutiny as well as create an enabling environment that promotes a healthy debate on issues of governance and accountability.

During a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Uyo, Governor Eno had promised continued partnership with the media in the development of Akwa Ibom State.

It follows, therefore, that if the government has indicated its readiness to work with the media, which are known for their critical disposition, it should as well accommodate dissenting voices and opposition groups, which many see as the necessary ingredients in a democratic setting.

It, however, remains to be seen whether the forthcoming elections would be conducted under a free and fair atmosphere or whether opposition groups and dissenting voices would continue to face intimidation or be subjected to any form of harassment.