Bayelsa lawmaker fingers politicians over police arrest, thanks Bayelsa govt, stakeholders for intervention

The member representing Nembe Constituency 2 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon (Chief) Edward Irigha-Brigidi has broken his silence following his alleged arrest by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactical Team (SWAT) of the Nigerian Police Force.

It was reported that the lawmaker was whisked away in Azikoro town, a suburb of Yenagoa, the state capital by gunmen who were later identified as SWAT operatives from Abuja.

In a statement released to journalists on Monday, the lawmaker revealed that based on directives the operatives were already taking him out of Yenagoa before the timely intervention of the Bayelsa State Government and other critical stakeholders.

Irigha-Brigidi who is also the Minority Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, further stated that his arrest was due to allegations levelled against him by “those who are not happy that I am standing shoulder to shoulder with my beloved constituents that gave me their mandate.”

According to the lawmaker, “The police who requested to search my residences at Opu-Nembe and Yenagoa later released me immediately when they did not find any incriminating evidence, contrary to the petition that was said to have prompted the arrest.

“I am aware that the Gestapo-like arrest was politically motivated by desperate politicians who seek to silence me. What they fail to realize is that God and my people are always with me.”

While appreciating Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for their intervention upon hearing about his arrest, he also thanked the acting Chief of Staff Government House, Pastor Peter Akpe, the Bayelsa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo (SAN) and Senator Chief B.W. Degi-Eremienyo.

He also commended the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, his colleagues in the House, Barr. Amunaboye Clement, Hon. (Chief) Mitema Obordor, Hon. Oboku Oforji, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, and Prof. (Chief) K.D Derri.

The lawmaker equally thanked HRM King Biobelemoye Joy Josiah, Ogbodo VIII, Amanyanabo of Opu-Nembe Kingdom; the Opu-Nembe Council of Chiefs and all critical stakeholders of Opu-Nembe Kingdom including all constituents for their support, expedient agitations, and prayers.

“Let me admit that members of the Bayelsa State Police Command demonstrated utter professionalism in handling the precarious situation and I am indebted to them.

“To the glory of God, I have since been released and reunited with my family and I urge my constituents and the people of Opu-Nembe to remain calm, peaceful and go about with their normal businesses.

“My people should be assured that this nefarious attempt to implicate me will not deter me from always working for our collective interest,” he stated.

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