Rivers PDP Condemns Arrest of Fubara’s Loyalists in Abuja 

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the arrest and detention of some loyalists of the state Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, during the party’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, on Thursday.

The party also urged the Inspector General of Police to order the release of the governor’s loyalists who are also PDP members.
It would be recalled that supporters of governor Fubara, including a lawmaker representing Ahoada East Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Goodboy Sokari Goodboy, and Mr Ezebunwo Ichemati were arrested by alleged operatives of the Nigeria Police in Abuja.

In a statement made available to journalists yesterday in Port Harcourt, Publicity Secretary of the party, Sydney Gbara, said the two party members were arrested “under the supervision of the Ikwerre Local Government Council Chairman, Samuel Nwanosike”.
Gbara said the arrest was part of plans by enemies of the state to intimidate Fubara’s loyalists to provoke crises that could spill over to Rivers State despite efforts by the governor to maintain peace in the state.

“The arrest at the Wadata House where party men of timber and calibre from the PDP were meeting to forge unity in the rank and file of the party is another sad and embarrassing experience of unending acts of harassment suffered by PDP members loyal to Governor Fubara.

“It was unimaginable that associates and supporters of Governors and leaders from other states were cheering their leaders as they arrived at the Wadata House unhindered, those from Rivers who came to identify with Governor Fubara were being harassed, intimidated, arrested and detained by the Police without provocation.

“We have time without number advised the police to remain neutral and not allow themselves to be used by political jobbers to settle political scores, especially those concerning Rivers State.”

The PDP also called on Rivers people, particularly supporters of Governor Fubara to remain strong and unwavering in their commitment to the success of his administration.