PDP raises alarm of arrest of Wike’s political associate in Bayelsa

The caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa has raised the alarm over the arrest and detention of Awudumu Reigneth, director of new media for the pro-Wike group, New Associates.

Reigneth, a known supporter of Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was arrested over the weekend on alleged charges of cyberbullying.

The PDP linked her arrest to her affiliation with New Associates, a group backing Wike and President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Derri Alasuote Wright, publicity secretary of the PDP caretaker committee in Bayelsa, described Reigneth’s detention as unlawful and politically motivated.

“She is being held over alleged trumped-up charges, including cyberbullying, purportedly fuelled by her right to free speech and expression,” Wright said.

He accused the administration of Governor Douye Diri of weaponising the police to intimidate political opponents.

Wright warned that Bayelsa was “descending into dictatorship” under the current administration.

He said: “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 PDP also alleged that members of the Ogbia community and the Bayelsa East district were being systematically targeted.

Wright cited the previous arrest of John Idumage, a public commentator from Nembe, and the sacking of 27 persons from Ogbia as part of a wider pattern of intimidation.

He called on civil society groups, rights organisations, and well-meaning Bayelsans to demand Reigneth’s immediate release.