Bayelsa PDP CTC fingers Diri in Awudumu's detention, demands her immediate release

By ebido LUCKY 

The Caretaker Committee of Bayelsa State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has demanded the unconditional release from detention of Reigneth Awudumu.

The  Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee of the PDP in Bayelsa State, Derri Alasuote Wright reveals in a Statement he signed and made available to Journalists in Yenagoa, describing the arrest of the Social Media Influencer, a faithful Party Member and Political Activist as unjust. 

The Statement adds that Charman of the Caretaker Committee of the PDP, Alabh George Turnah described the arrest and detention of Awudumu as very disturbing and a deliberate move to intimidate those who identify with the New Associates.

He said the arrest of Awudumu on trumped-up Charges of Cyberbullying, is an infringement on her Right to Free Speech.

The Statement added "Reigneth Awudumu is a staunch Supporter of PDP in Ogbia Local Government Area who contributed immensely to the Election of  Governor Douye Diri in 2019 and his Re-election in 2023..

The Statement said that the arrest and detention of Awudumu is the handiwork of Diri Administration due to her affiliation with the 'NEW Associates' Political Structure, a Grassroot based Political Movement for the Re-election of President Bola Tinubu for her Role as Director General New Media.

He expressed concern over the intolerant Actions of Governor Diri not to allow Party Members to freely associate and give full expression to their support for President Bola Tinubu and others who have contributed to the Appointment of Ijaws into Strategic Offices in the APC led Federal Government is capable of bringing disrepute to PDP in Bayelsa State ahead 2027 General Elections.

The Statement claimed that Governor Diri is working hard to destroy and kill the PDP in Bayelsa State ahead of his alleged planned defection to the APC while stating that they will resist anyone bent on destroying or kill PDP in Bayelsa State.and 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 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".

Turnah-led PDP CTC has also said it has noted a display of organised hatred toward the People of Ogbia and the entire Bayelsa East Senatorial District by Governor Diri and his Administration.

This has become so glaring with the dismissal of over 27 Aides from the Bayelsa East Senatorial District, with  the arrest and detention of Awudumu which according to him mirrors the same treatment meted out to a notable Social Commentator 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 Awudumu. 

"The PDP, led by our Caretaker Committee Chairman, 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 Awudumu 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 Organisations, and Advocacy Groups to join us in defending the Rights of Individuals and safeguarding our Democracy. It is vital that we uphold the Values of Free Speech and Democratic Governance.

"In solidarity, we demand justice for Awudumu and an end to the Culture of Fear orchestrated by the Diri Administration.