From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State PDP Caretaker Committee has demanded the immediate release of Ms Awudumu Reigneth, a social media influencer and Director of New Media for the NEW Associates, a pro-Tinubu group linked to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Reigneth was arrested by police on Saturday, May 17, hours before her advertised birthday celebration.
PDP Caretaker Committee Publicity Secretary Derri Alasuote Wright condemned the arrest, calling it unlawful and based on “trumped-up charges” like cyberbullying, tied to Reigneth’s free speech. Wright claimed the Diri administration targeted her for her role in a recent NEW Associates rally, alleging a plot to weaken PDP for Governor Douye Diri’s potential defection to the APC.
Wright urged Diri to emulate former President Goodluck Jonathan and President Bola Tinubu, who tolerated social media criticism. “We reaffirm our call for the immediate and unconditional release of Miss Awudumu Reigneth,” he stated, warning against intimidation tactics by the state.
The PDP, led by Acting Chairman George Turnah, called on Bayelsans, civil society, and advocacy groups to demand Reigneth’s release and defend democratic rights. Police spokesperson Musa Mohammed was unreachable, but a police source said Reigneth is under investigation following petitions against her.