Kariyai Daukoru’s Handwritten Prison Letter Leaves Bayelsans in Tears, Fuels Justice Debate
By Passman Akpos
ABUJA, NIGERIA — A fresh handwritten letter from detained Bayelsa activist, Kariyai Daukoru, written from the Kuje Custodial Centre, has ignited another round of emotional reactions across social media, with many Nigerians calling for reconciliation, justice and a peaceful resolution of the dispute surrounding his incarceration.
The latest letter, addressed to Dr. Perekeme Fidelis, was made public after Daukoru’s wife reportedly delivered it following a visit to the correctional facility.
In the emotional message, Daukoru thanked Dr. Perekeme for standing by him despite his detention, saying words of encouragement from outside prison had reached him.
“I got your message, my wife printed your comment and brought it here. They also got your message, your voice reached them, strong and true. They thought they’ve silenced you. They had no idea your message has been heard and that is enough,” he wrote.
Rather than dwelling on his circumstances, Daukoru pointed to his Christian faith, quoting 2 Corinthians 4:16 to express hope and resilience despite the challenges of imprisonment.
He concluded the letter with the words: “We stand firm. Thank you for everything, and stay strong my Gee.”
Perekeme Calls for Peace, Dialogue
Responding publicly to the letter, Dr. Perekeme Fidelis expressed gratitude for Daukoru’s message and reiterated his commitment to pursuing peace instead of prolonged conflict.
According to him, all parties involved should embrace reconciliation through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
“I sincerely hope you’re feeling much better now. Please be assured that we are working tirelessly to promote peace, reconciliation, and an amicable resolution of this matter,” he said.
Dr. Perekeme argued that a one-hour meeting involving Daukoru, Mr. Ebilate and the Group President could clear misunderstandings and pave the way for lasting peace.
“It is my earnest prayer that this day comes soon, and that reconciliation prevails over division for the good of everyone involved,” he added.
Social Media Flooded With Emotional Reactions
The handwritten letter quickly spread across Facebook and other social media platforms, attracting hundreds of reactions from supporters who focused not only on Daukoru’s message but also on his handwriting, resilience and continued faith while in custody.
Several commenters described his handwriting as evidence of intelligence and education, while others expressed sympathy over his continued detention.
Among the reactions were comments such as:
– “With the handwriting sef you go understand say the young man na genius.”
– “This guy writing no be here oo, shows class.”
– “Omor this is heartbreaking. Stay strong bro.”
– “The handwriting alone shows this guy is brilliant.”
– “God please intervene on this matter and let him be free.”
– “I looked at the handwriting three times… it’s so sad to see him in such condition.”
– “The poor dey really suffer in the hands of the rich.”
Some commenters also praised Daukoru’s composure, with one comparing his resilience to that of Nelson Mandela, while others urged him to move beyond the controversy and rebuild his life after the legal process.
Background
The latest correspondence comes after Tarakirivoice exclusively reported that Kariyai Daukoru had written several emotional letters from Kuje Custodial Centre to supporters, including Hon. Tonye Emmanuel Isenah, Dr. Perekeme Fidelis and Pastor Miebi Bribena.
In those letters, Daukoru reflected on his prison experience, thanked individuals who supported his family, and maintained that the ordeal had strengthened his patience, faith and resilience.
His wife, Boye Kariyai, also disclosed after visiting the correctional facility that her husband’s health had improved despite a lingering cough and revealed that he had begun documenting his prison experiences in a notebook she hopes to publish in the future.
As discussions continue online, Daukoru’s latest handwritten message has once again reignited debate over accountability, justice, reconciliation and the human impact of prolonged legal disputes.
