…May Suspend Diri
By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa.
The George Turnah-led Caretaker Committee of the Bayelsa State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has vehemently condemned what it alleged as ‘unlawful arrest’ and ‘detention’ of a social media influencer and its dedicated member, Miss Awudumu Reigneth.
The Party in a statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr Derri Alasuote Wright also described Reigneth as a political activist, saying the disturbing development stems from alleged trumped-up charges, including cyberbullying, purportedly fueled by her right to free speech and expression.
The Statement read in parts: “Miss Reigneth Awudumu has been an unwavering supporter of our party in Ogbia Local Government Area and played a pivotal role in the success of our campaigns during the 2019 elections and the recent 2023 re-election of Governor Douye Diri.
“We’e aware that the arrest and detention of Reigneth is orchestrated by the Diri administration simply because of her membership of the ‘NEW Associates’ Political Structure, a grassroot based political movement for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and her involvement in the recent mega rally by the group loyal to the Honourable Minister of FCT, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON, where she serves as the Director General of the NEW Media Team.
“These anti-democratic credentials of Governor Diri are becoming a concern to the PDP in Bayelsa State as we view them as deliberately designed to demarket and weaken the PDP in the state ahead of 2027 General Elections.
“Governor Diri is working hard to destroy and kill the PDP in Bayelsa State ahead of his planned defection to the APC, which we’re aware is already concluded.
“We’ll not allow him or anyone else to destroy or kill our party, the PDP, in Bayelsa State.
“We wish to remind Governor Diri that we’re in a democracy, and we will not allow any form of dictatorship or tyranny.
“As a leader whose upkeep is funded through taxpayers’ money, he is not a lord over the people of Bayelsa State, but rather a servant.
“Governor Diri should learn from leaders like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Goodluck Jonathan, who have faced public scrutiny and outright abuse on social media throughout their political careers.
“Despite this, the duo of former President Jonathan and President Tinubu have remained tolerant and accommodating even with the enormous powers at their disposal as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
Meanwhile, the Turnah-led PDP CTC has also said it has noted a display of organized hatred toward the people of Ogbia and the entire Bayelsa East Senatorial District by Governor Diri and his administration.
“This troubling trend is evident with the dismissal of over 27 aides from the Bayelsa East area. And now with the arrest and detention of Miss Reigneth Awudumu, this approach mirrors the same treatment meted out to a notable social commentator Dr. John Idumange, who also hails from Bayelsa East Senatorial District and faced similar oppressive tactics from Governor Diri and his handlers.
“We reaffirm our call for the immediate and unconditional release of Miss Awudumu Reigneth.
“The PDP, led by our Caretaker Committee Chairman, Barr. George Turnah stands firmly against these tactics of intimidation and repression.
“We’ll not stand idly by as the fundamental rights of our members, and indeed, Bayelsans are trampled upon.
“We urge Governor Diri to immediately retrace his steps as failure to heed our call for the release of Miss Reigneth will compel us to escalate our actions, including considering the options of expelling him from our party.
“We appeal to all well-meaning citizens, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups to join us in defending the rights of individuals and safeguarding our democracy. It is vital that we unite against repression and uphold the values of free speech and democratic governance.
“In solidarity, we demand justice for Miss Awudumu Reigneth and an end to the culture of fear orchestrated by the Diri administration”, the Party added.
