By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Former Senator Effiong Bob has defended the petition that led to the arrest of lawyer Ewa Okpo, saying he exercised his legal right to report alleged criminal defamation and cyber-related offences to the police.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command had earlier confirmed that Okpo was arrested following a petition alleging that he published videos and other content on social media containing statements claimed to be false and damaging to Bob’s reputation. Police said investigations are ongoing.
In a telephone interview, Bob said he supports citizens’ right to criticise government policies and public officials but drew a distinction between issue-based criticism and personal attacks.
According to him, his public comments were intended to discourage attacks on the personal lives of Governor Umo Eno and other public officials, while encouraging constructive criticism based on verifiable facts.
Bob alleged that Okpo later made defamatory remarks about him on social media, prompting him to file a petition under the Cybercrimes Act. He maintained that reporting the matter to the police was lawful and that decisions regarding investigation, arrest and prosecution rest with law enforcement agencies.
The former senator also rejected allegations concerning his business interests, including claims about Comfort FM, describing them as false and unrelated to the petition. He urged political actors and social media users to engage in responsible public discourse, stressing that allegations of defamation should be addressed through lawful channels rather than personal attacks.
