Chief Irigha Brigidi, the Minority Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly has fingered desperate politicians for his arrest.
Daily Report Nigeria reports that Brigidi, who was earlier thought to have been kidnapped, was arrested by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactical Team in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Speaking after his release, the lawmaker said the attempts by naysayers will not deprive him from representing his constituents.
Brigidi, in a statement titled ‘ATTEMPT TO SILENCE ME WON’T STOP ME FROM STANDING FOR MY PEOPLE,” said;
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“It was a shocking experience when armed men who were later identified as members of the Special Weapons and Tactical Team (SWAT) of the Nigerian Police Force sent from Abuja arrested me at Azikoro Town in Yenagoa on Saturday.
“Based on the directive they had, the security operatives were already taking me out of Yenagoa before the timely intervention of the Bayelsa State Government and other critical stakeholders.
“The arrest was due to some baseless and malicious allegations levelled against me by those who are not happy that I am standing shoulder to shoulder with my beloved constituents that gave me their mandate.
“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.
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‘I am using this medium to sincerely thank Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for their intervention upon hearing my arrest. I don’t think I would have been released without their prompt intervention.
‘My appreciation also goes to the acting Chief of Staff Government House, Pastor Peter Akpe, the Bayelsa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo (SAN), Senator Chief B.W. Degi-Eremienyo, Barr. Amunaboye Clement, Hon. (Chief) Mitema Obordor, Hon. Oboku Oforji, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, and Prof. (Chief) K.D Derri.
“I was also overwhelmed by the tireless efforts of the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere as well as my beloved Colleagues.
“I equally thank 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 the support, expedient agitations, and prayers while I was detained.
“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. Once again, thank you and God bless.”
