A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Inko Brightstar, has strongly condemned the arrest of Comrade Aye Egberi, the Director-General and Coordinator of the Bayelsa State APC Media Team, describing it as a gross violation of democratic principles and an attack on freedom of expression.
Chief Inko, who doubles as the Financial Secretary of APC in Ward 13, Southern Ijaw LGA, and an active member of the Bayelsa State APC Media Team, said the arrest of Comrade Egberi is not only politically motivated but also a calculated attempt to silence the opposition ahead of critical political activities in the state.
According to him, security agencies in Bayelsa State must resist being used as tools of intimidation by those in government. He urged the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police and other security outfits to remain professional, neutral, and committed to their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property rather than taking sides in partisan politics.
Chief Inko noted that democracy thrives on free speech, constructive criticism, and the active participation of opposition parties, stressing that any government that suppresses dissent through unlawful arrests is only exposing its weakness and lack of confidence in governance.
“You don’t expect everyone to support your government. We will voluntarily support you if we see massive development in our state. Arresting your critics will not change anything, neither will it improve governance. Instead of intimidating opposition voices, Governor Douye Diri should focus on the urgent needs of Bayelsans, such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment,” Chief Inko stated.
He further called on Governor Diri to channel the resources of the state into meaningful development projects that will positively impact the lives of ordinary citizens rather than wasting state machinery on chasing down perceived political enemies.
Chief Inko emphasized that the APC, as the main opposition party in Bayelsa, will not be cowed by threats or intimidation but will continue to hold the government accountable to the people. He insisted that Comrade Aye Egberi must be released unconditionally and immediately, as his only “offense” was speaking truth to power on behalf of the people.
“We stand solidly with Comrade Egberi and every APC member who has come under undue harassment. No amount of intimidation can silence the voice of truth. Bayelsa belongs to all of us, not a select few. If the government is confident in its performance, it should welcome criticism and use it as a tool for improvement, not see it as a threat,” he added.
Chief Inko concluded by warning that the continued harassment of opposition members sets a dangerous precedent for democracy in Bayelsa State. He urged civil society organizations, human rights groups, and well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against such undemocratic practices.
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