Turnah-led PDP in Bayelsa demands influencer’s release, warns Diri may be expelled
The Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, under Barr. George Turnah’s leadership, has condemned the alleged unlawful arrest and detention of Miss Awudumu Reigneth, a prominent social media influencer and loyal party member.
In a statement by State Publicity Secretary Mr. Derri Alasuote Wright, the party rejected the charges against Reigneth, including cyberbullying, as unfounded and a violation of her constitutional rights to free expression.
Reigneth, a key figure from Ogbia Local Government Area, was pivotal in the PDP’s successes during the 2019 elections and Governor Douye Diri’s 2023 re-election campaign.
The party alleged that her detention was a politically motivated move by Diri’s administration, targeting her for her role in the ‘NEW Associates’ Political Structure, a grassroots group advocating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.
According to the statement, Miss Reigneth, as Director General of the group’s media team, participated in a recent rally supporting Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
The Turnah-led PDP accused Diri of undermining democratic norms and eroding the party’s influence in Bayelsa ahead of the 2027 elections, claiming Reigneth’s arrest is part of a plan to enable his rumored defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The PDP in Bayelsa will not tolerate attempts to destabilize our party,” the statement declared, stressing that Diri, as a taxpayer-funded leader, must uphold accountability, not suppress dissent.
The party further highlighted Diri’s alleged marginalization of the Bayelsa East Senatorial District, particularly Ogbia, pointing to the dismissal of over 27 aides from the region and Reigneth’s detention. It drew parallels with the treatment of Dr. John Idumange, another commentator from the district, as evidence of systematic repression.
Demanding Reigneth’s immediate and unconditional release, the Turnah-led PDP warned that failure to comply could prompt severe actions, including Diri’s potential expulsion from the party.
The statement urged civil society, advocacy groups, and citizens to denounce the alleged oppression and safeguard democratic principles.Citing the tolerance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Goodluck Jonathan in the face of public criticism, the PDP called on Diri to emulate their restraint.
“Leadership in a democracy demands openness, not oppression,” the statement concluded, reaffirming the party’s resolve to protect its members and preserve Bayelsa’s democratic values.
FOR ADVERT AND NEWS PUBLICATION, EMAIL US @ tarakirivoicenewspaper@gmail.com or call or WhatsApp us on 08160439769
