Pro-Wike PDP Faction Threatens Governor With Expulsion

A pro-Wike PDP group in Bayelsa has issued a threat to expel Governor Diri, claiming he has violated rights by allowing the arrest of activist Awudumu Reigneth.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State may have temporarily stepped down from his duties, having handed over power to his deputy following his decision to proceed on leave. However, political tension has intensified in the state following the arrest of a political activist, Awudumu Reigneth who is aligned to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

A group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that supports the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is calling for Reigneth’s immediate release. The activist, known for her strong presence on social media, was taken into custody after she made a post accusing Governor Diri of being behind a shooting incident during the launch of the NEW Associates, a political movement backing Wike.

The pro-Wike PDP group, through its acting publicity secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright, strongly criticized the arrest. They argued that Reigneth’s rights were being violated and warned that they would not tolerate such actions.

In their statement, they said, “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. 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 group believes the arrest was not just a legal matter but had political motives. They pointed out that Reigneth’s role as Director General of the NEW Media Team for the NEW Associates made her a target. The NEW Associates is a political group that supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and aligns with Wike.

They also accused Governor Diri of trying to weaken the PDP in the state as part of a plan to switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to the group, “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.”

They criticized Diri’s leadership style, describing it as repressive. They mentioned that this was not the first time the governor had taken harsh actions against opposition voices. The group referenced the dismissal of 27 aides from the Bayelsa East Senatorial District and the earlier arrest of another critic, John Idumange, as examples of a troubling trend.

Finally, they appealed to civil society organisations, advocacy groups, and the general public to speak out and help demand the release of Reigneth. They stressed the importance of protecting democratic rights and ensuring freedom of expression in Bayelsa State.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG