ABUJA, Nigeria — Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the arrest of a distinguished medical professor by security operatives, describing the incident as a “disheartening humiliation” that underscores the country’s descent into uncivilised behaviour and rascality.
Obi, who shared his thoughts on his X handle, said his attention was drawn to the disrespectful and humiliating circumstances surrounding the apprehension of Professor Martin Aghaji, a 74-year-old internationally recognised cardiothoracic surgeon and elder statesman.
According to Obi, operatives did not invite or contact Professor Aghaji before invading his home at Independent Layout, Enugu, at 2 a.m., arresting him in the presence of his visiting daughter. He was reportedly whisked from Enugu to Lagos, where he was held for three days before being told, “Sorry, we made a mistake.”
“Every day in this country, we find ourselves in a bizarre situation that we find difficult to understand: where we are and how we got to this uncivilised behaviour and rascality. Worse still, when you try to bring these abnormalities to the attention of those concerned, they resort to abuse instead of appreciation,” Obi wrote.
The former Anambra State governor argued that Professor Aghaji, by virtue of his advanced age and substantial contributions to the nation, warrants considerable respect. He stressed that every Nigerian, irrespective of status or profession, deserves to be treated with dignity and in accordance with the rule of law.
Obi warned that such conduct directed at a 74-year-old professional might not only exacerbate the critical “brain drain” but also severely damage the country’s already precarious healthcare infrastructure. He drew parallels to the similar mistreatment of a medical practitioner in Akwa Ibom, which prompted the Nigeria Medical Association to consider a nationwide strike until a formal apology was issued.
“The practice of treating highly regarded, ethical professionals – and indeed any Nigerian – like common criminals sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law across all sectors,” Obi stated. “Therefore, we must conduct ourselves with civility in the discharge of our public duties.”
He concluded by affirming that “a superior and renewed Nigeria is indeed Possible.”
The professor’s arrest has sparked fresh concerns about the conduct of security agencies and their treatment of citizens, particularly professionals and elder statesmen who have contributed to national development. Rights groups have called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
