Barr. Festus Daumiebi, a Bayelsa State APC chieftain, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of some Bayelsans arrested during the current administration of Governor Douye Diri’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Remember that two Bayelsa bloggers are currently detained by police for allegedly criticizing the government’s policies and programs on social media platforms.
While APC state media coordinator Ebikpoemi Bobby Ugo was arrested for allegedly openly criticizing and condemning some government policies. The other, Esule Isaac, a PDP member, was reportedly arrested for posting a video interview in which a Bayelsan accused the IDP handlers at the Ox-bow Lake camp of mistreating and flogging them with canes.
Barr. Daumiebi, in a statement sent to DAILY POST, on Monday, stated that those who offer themselves to serve the public must develop thick skin and deaf ears.
The statement reads, “The level of political intolerance in Bayelsa State is becoming a great source of concern. This is a new disturbing trend that must be discouraged by all well-meaning Bayelsans.
“In my contest to the red Chambers as the APC candidate in the 2019 general elections, I was called unprintable names, both here on this blue app and in the electronic media, with fake, unsubstantiated, vague and very untrue allegations, but I laughed over them all.
“Most of those guys who did that to me at that point in time are my friends today. I would have as well arrested, detained or even charged them to court, but I opted for the part of tolerance.
“No public office holder in Bayelsa State in our history has been criticised as much as Chief DSP Alamieseigha of blessed memories was done, yet he never arrested or detained anyone on mere criticism in the name of defamation.
“Bayelsa State is too small for us to practice this dangerous trend of political intolerance.
“I am appealing to any political leader or public office holder in Bayelsa State, irrespective of the political party decides that has arrested or detained anyone, be it your party faithful or opposition member to please, release such person for the sake of peace.
“We are Bayelsans before our political affiliations and we must learn to put Bayelsa first.
“Release Bubby Ugo, Release Esule Isaac; and indeed any other political prisoner, if any in Bayelsa State.
“Let us not overheat the polity. Bayelsa State is all we have.
“This call is devoid of political sentiments for record purposes.”