The arrest and detention of former Anambra governor, Willie Obiano by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been described as witchhunt.
The Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State, Igwe Ben Emeka said Obiano was being unnecessarily persecuted by EFCC.
Igwe Emeka who spoke while receiving the Anambra State executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on courtesy call in his palace, urged the commission to quickly free him.
The monarch wondered why a former governor would be arrested without a formal invitation, noting that it amounted to humiliation and victimisation.
He enjoined other leaders from the South East region to join hands in demanding Obiano immediate release.
“Journalism is a very good profession and a tool with which people get to know what is happening in the world.
“We want people to support in calling on EFCC to free Obiano. It is a humiliation and victimisation of someone who worked in Anambra. We know all the good works he did for Anambra. We are not complaining.
“Besides, they did not invite him. So, why are they humiliating him? Why should they also go after the governor’s wife? Is she a civil servant?
“Aside from the international Airport he built, he paid civil servants very promptly until he left office. But we have other governors all over the country who don’t pay workers. So many former Governors and corrupt leaders are going around the streets without any hindrances.
“But they go after a good man. Obiano knows the conditions of workers and the facts they buy from the same markets where prices of commodities have risen, and he did well to support them through prompt payment, and all he gets is humiliation.”
Earlier, the Chairman, NUJ, Anambra State Council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, condemned the arrest and continuous detention of former governor Obiano and urged the EFCC to release him and follow due process in trying him, instead of media trial.
