Akwa Ibom: Sen Bob Defends Petition Against Street Lawyer, Says Case Is About Defamation, Not Silencing Critics

July 1 () — Former Senator representing Akwa Ibom North Central Senatorial District, Effiong Bob, has defended his petition against legal practitioner and social media commentator, Barr. Ewa Okpo, popularly known on Facebook as “Street Lawyer”, insisting that the matter is purely a legal dispute over alleged defamation and not an attempt to suppress dissenting voices.

Speaking during a telephone interview with journalists yesterday, Bob maintained that while citizens have an unquestionable right to criticise government policies and public officials, such criticism must be factual, issue-based and within the bounds of the law.

His clarification comes amid public reactions following the police investigation and arrest of Okpo over allegations bordering on cyberstalking and criminal defamation.

The controversy followed a petition filed by Bob after a series of Facebook posts allegedly made by Okpo, which the former senator said contained defamatory statements and personal attacks capable of damaging his reputation.

The matter, however, has generated widespread debate across social media, with supporters of the lawyer describing his arrest as an attack on free speech, while the police have maintained that the investigation is based on allegations of criminal defamation and cyberstalking.

Bob said his public comments in defence of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno were never directed at the lawyer but were intended to promote responsible political engagement.

“Public discourse should focus on governance, verifiable facts and policy issues instead of character assassination of public officials, their families and unsubstantiated allegations that affect their credibility and integrity. When your right stops, that is where another person’s right begins.

“My position was, and still is, that nobody should attack the governor’s personal life or his family. If you believe the government is underperforming, criticise it constructively and on issues”, he stated.

The former lawmaker alleged that although he did not mention Okpo by name, the lawyer subsequently used his Facebook page to launch personal attacks against him, including referring to him as an “Utoto politician,” which he interpreted as branding him a political fraudster.

According to Bob, the publications were widely circulated across social media and amounted to defamation under Nigerian law.

“I have practised law for 42 years. Defamation is recognised under our laws, both as a civil and criminal offence. Anybody who makes such allegations must be prepared to prove them”, he remarked.

Bob further explained that his petition was filed under the Cybercrimes Act and insisted that he merely exercised his constitutional right by reporting the matter to law enforcement authorities.

“I have the right to report to the police. When I report, I don’t instruct the police to arrest anybody. What the police do thereafter is entirely their responsibility. My duty was simply to submit a petition. I will not engage in a street fight because that is against the law”, he added.

Responding to allegations linking him to the ownership and operations of Comfort FM, Bob dismissed the claims as false and irrelevant to the issues before investigators. He said the radio station has operated independently under professional management for nine years and has earned national and international recognition, including producing a Guinness World Record holder.

The former senator urged political actors and social media commentators to embrace civility, stressing that democracy thrives on constructive criticism rather than personal attacks.

“Constructive criticism strengthens our democracy, but defamatory statements, blackmail and character assassination are destructive and should be addressed through lawful channels”, he maintained.

Attached: Pic of Senator Effiong Bob, former Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) Senatorial District