A supporter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Ebikpoemi Bobby Ugo II has suffered an arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention at the Bayelsa State Police Command over a post perceived to be critical of Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, in what has been described as an affront on free speech and human rights even as floods continue to ravage the state.
Governor Duoye Diri reportedly ordered the arrest after interpreting the vague post as critical of his management of the state’s finances and handling of the flood, although a direct reference was never made.
“Shameful broadcast & u still ve mind begging Muhammadu Buhari 4 more money wen d 1 he brought was pocketed,” Mr Bobby Ugo said on Facebook.
Multiple sources have confirmed to PODIUM REPORTERS that the Governor, irked by the publication which, according to him, raised questions on his decisions as the state is submerged under water.
The gestapo arrest, reportedly done without warrant or due consideration for legal processes guiding the arrest of citizens, saw Mr Bobby whisked away in handcuffs in an apparent move to humiliate him and scare other critical citizens into silence.
He has been dragged before a magistrate court where a bail hearing will be conducted.
However, sources doubt the possibility of him regaining his freedom due to what was alleged as the Governor’s determination to keep him detention to “teach him a lesson and discourage others from citizen activism.”
“The governor is seriously insisting that he should not be bailed and that he should be kept in prison for 30days. The letter claimed defamation, yet he didn’t mention any name in his post,” the source said.
Inside sources close to the government house also revealed that the governor is out to silence opposition voices in the state by also ordering the arrest of other APC media influencers in the state.
Supporters of the ruling party have since called on the Inspector General of Police to call the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police to order and quit going about the arrest of innocent persons who have not committed a crime.