By: Felix Ikpotor
Irked by the alleged detention of its members by the 6 Division, Nigerian Army and the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State is now demanding for their immediate release.
State chairman of the party, Bro Felix Obuah through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam said the detained PDP members, some with their families have spent close to one week in their respective detention camps uncared for.
Obuah said aside those illegally being detained by the army and FSARS, an unspecified number are still hospitalized, some in critical condition from gunshots and physical torture by the soldiers and police.
Notable among those still languishing in the army and police detentions according to the party include:
Prof. Israel Owate, Dr. Fred Ateng, Hon. Deinma Iyalla, all Special Advisers to Gov Nyesom Wike.
Others are the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Council, Hon. Tom Aliezi, Rivers State Co-ordinator of Arise Nigeria, Hon. Benjamin Diri as well ordinary men and women including pregnant mothers.
While describing it as arbitrary and reckless display of power, arrests, harassments and detentions, the party said the action is an attempt to cause crisis in the State.
The PDP is now calling on well meaning Nigerians, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Human Rights Groups and the National Peace Committee as well as the International Community to rise up in defense of the Rivers people and residents from the trigger happy men of the Nigerian Army and FSARS.
Although the police has not commented on the development, but the Nigerian Army 6 Division had always insisted that its officers has no hand in the ordeal of PDP members in the state or any involvement in the election crisis in Rivers State.
