Turnah-Led Bayelsa PDP Demands Unconditional Release of Social Media Influencer Reigneth, Threatens to Sanction Governor Diri
The Caretaker Committee of the Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Barr. George Turnah, has strongly condemned the alleged arrest and detention of a social media influencer and political activist, Miss Awudumu Reigneth.
In a press statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Derri Alasuote Wright, the party described the arrest as “unlawful” and “politically motivated,” claiming it was based on trumped-up charges of cyberbullying and other allegations arising from Reigneth’s exercise of her constitutional right to free speech.
“Miss Reigneth Awudumu has been an unwavering supporter of our party in Ogbia Local Government Area. She played a pivotal role in our successes during the 2019 elections and the 2023 re-election campaign of Governor Douye Diri,” the statement noted.
The party alleged that Reigneth’s arrest was orchestrated by the Diri-led administration due to her affiliation with the ‘NEW Associates’ political structure, a grassroots movement in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election. Reigneth is said to serve as Director-General of the movement’s New Media Team and recently participated in a major rally organized by supporters of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
“These actions by Governor Diri are anti-democratic and seem designed to weaken the PDP in Bayelsa State ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement added. “We have credible information that Governor Diri is planning to defect to the APC, and his current moves are aimed at destabilizing the PDP in the state.”
The Turnah-led PDP also accused the Diri administration of harboring animosity toward the people of Bayelsa East Senatorial District, citing the dismissal of over 27 aides from the area and drawing parallels to the treatment of Dr. John Idumange, a prominent critic who also hails from Bayelsa East.
The statement reaffirmed the committee’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of Miss Reigneth and warned of possible disciplinary actions against Governor Diri if the demand is not met.
“We will not allow the trampling of fundamental rights of our members or any Bayelsan. Should Governor Diri fail to act swiftly, we will be compelled to consider further actions, including his possible expulsion from the party,” the committee declared.
The PDP also called on civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and all democratic stakeholders to rise in defense of free speech and democratic values.
“Leaders like President Tinubu and former President Goodluck Jonathan have endured criticism and social media attacks without resorting to repression. Governor Diri must learn to embrace tolerance and democratic accountability,” the statement concluded.
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