From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the arrest and detention of its member, Miss Awudumu Reigneth, a social media influencer and political activist.
A statement by the party’s acting State Publicity Secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright alleged that the arrest is orchestrated by the Diri administration due to her support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and her involvement in a mega rally for the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike.
The PDP demanded Miss Reigneth’s immediate and unconditional release, describing the arrest as an attempt to intimidate and repress the party’s members, saying that the party’s Acting State Chairman, Mr. George Turnah, has vowed to stand firm against these tactics.
The statement reads: ” We are 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 are aware is already concluded. We will 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 are 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, they 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.
” The Party has also 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 that 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 Acting State Chairman, Mr. George Turnah stands firmly against these tactics of intimidation and repression.
” We will 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 Awudumu will compel us to escalate our actions, including considering the options of expelling him from our party’.
The PDP accused Governor Diri of working to weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general elections and planning to defect to the APC, alleging also that Governor Diri displays organized hatred towards people from the Bayelsa East Senatorial District.
The PDP urged civil society organizations and advocacy groups to join them in defending the rights of individuals and safeguarding democracy.
The party warned that failure to release Miss Reigneth may lead to further actions, including considering the option of expelling Governor Diri from the party.
