A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike, has threatened to expel Governor Douye Diri following the arrest of Miss Awudumu Reigneth, a party member and political activist. Reigneth was detained after a petition claimed she implicated Governor Diri in a shooting incident during the inauguration of the NEW Associates, a pro-Wike group.

The arrest has heightened tensions within the Bayelsa PDP, undermining reconciliation efforts by the party’s national leadership. In a statement, acting Publicity Secretary Derri Alasuote Wright condemned the charges against Reigneth, labeling them as baseless and politically motivated.

The group demanded her immediate release, warning that failure to comply would lead to escalated actions, including potential expulsion of Governor Diri from the party. They alleged that the Diri administration is targeting members of the NEW Associates, especially as he is rumored to be planning a defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The faction criticized Diri’s governance as authoritarian, citing previous incidents of repression, including the sacking of aides and the arrest of social commentator Dr. John Idumange. They have called on civil society and advocacy groups to support their cause for Reigneth’s release and to promote democratic values in the state.

Governor Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, confirmed Reigneth’s arrest but stated it was a police matter, declining to comment further on the faction’s threats.