Date Published: 08/12/10

Arrest Of Party Members: They Are Not Cultists PDP

It has come to our notice that prominent members of PDP in Rivers State who were arrested by the Nigeria Police were tagged cultists by Mr Magnus Abe, SSG and the Chief of Staff to Rivers State Government House one Mr Nyesom Wike.

It is saddening to have such remarks made of such prominent men and women of Rivers origin who had at one time or the other contributed to the growth and development of not just Rivers State but our great party, the PDP.

Hon Lolo Ibieneye, Chairman of our faction of PDP in Rivers State was a former Commissioner under Sir Dr Peter Odili, the former executive Governor of the State.

He was also the State campaign chairman of the PDP who led the party to victory in the 2007 general elections.

Hon Mrs Nancy Nwankwo was a former Commissioner under Gov Celestine Omehia, the immediate past State Chief Executive.

Prince Obiandu Ohuchukwu was a former State Deputy Chairman of Rivers State PDP for eight years.

Chief Ejor Ngowah Ejor and Hon Nwuke Anucha were former local government chairmen of Eleme and Omuma councils respectively.

These prominent men and women who among others were disenfranchised during the faulty and fake PDP registration exercise that took place in Rivers State a few weeks ago thought it wise to gather themselves as respected and responsible party faithfuls to prepare for the ongoing e-registration exercise that just took off yesterday.

They were arrested by the police in their own faction of PDP Secretariat at 25 Ohaeto Street in Port Harcourt and have since then been clamped down in detention. We are saddened and perplexed to hear that these men of caliber are being labeled cultists by Magnus Abe and Nyesom Wike.

We hereby enjoin our teaming supporters to remain calm and law abiding. We are on top of the situation as no amount of intimidation and arrest will deter us from achieving our goal.###

Signed

Jerry Needam

Publicity Secretary,

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rivers State