Yenagoa, 19 May 2025 — The pro-Wike socio-political group, NEW Associates has issued a forceful statement celebrating the court-ordered release of social-media commentator Miss Reigneth Awudumu while excoriating what it calls a “pattern of state-sponsored intimidation” under the administration of Governor Douye Diri.
Awudumu, known online for her critical commentary on governance in Bayelsa, was arrested last week after a petition allegedly filed by John Sambo, a domestic aide to the governor. She was arraigned on what supporters describe as “spurious” cyber-related charges before Chief Magistrate Obiri Baitimizimo in Yenagoa.
In a press statement signed by Kelvin Loveday-Egbo, Media Assistant to the NEW Associates leader, Hon. Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, the group lauded Awudumu for her “unwavering courage and determination in the face of oppression.”
“In a time when oppressive tactics and intimidation have become the hallmarks of the Diri-led prosperity administration, Reigneth has stood tall, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience. Her ability to withstand the pressures from a government that has shown anti-democratic tendencies is commendable and inspires us all,” the statement read.
The group said Awudumu’s ordeal epitomises the shrinking civic space in Bayelsa, citing multiple incidents in which journalists and activists have reportedly faced harassment for exposing corruption or security lapses.
The NEW Associates reserved special commendations for Chief Magistrate Baitimizimo, who it said “displayed uncommon courage and boldness in ensuring justice, even in the face of obvious intimidation.” According to the statement, the magistrate granted bail on liberal terms that recognised Awudumu’s constitutional right to freedom pending trial.
“The courageous decision made by the magistrate underscores the importance of a functional judiciary in safeguarding democracy, which is an exemplary high for the State Judiciary”.
Legal observers note that the ruling may set a precedent for future cases involving alleged cyber-offences that are widely seen as politically motivated.
While commending the defence team led by Precious Afrikanus Esq., Matthew Opokumo Esq. and Samuel Agbura Esq., the statement added that Barr. Turnah, who is also Acting Chairman of the Bayelsa State PDP, will personally lead the legal defence “at the next adjourned date and going forward.”
Turnah, a very outspoken critic of perceived governmental excesses, and advocate for a better Bayelsa, said he views the case as a litmus test for civil liberties in Bayelsa. He pledged pro-bono representation until Awudumu’s exoneration is secured.
The statement admonished Governor Diri to redirect energy toward what it described as “the insecurity ravaging our state” and other pressing governance challenges.
“We call on Governor Diri to focus on serious issues of governance, particularly the insecurity that is ravaging our State, rather than dissipating energy on targeting perceived enemies and wasting public funds on political battles. It is time to put the best interests of Bayelsans first.”
NEW Associates urged civil-society organisations, religious leaders, and the international community to monitor the situation closely, warning that democracy in Bayelsa faces erosion if dissent continues to be criminalised.
Awudumu’s next court appearance is expected in early June. Rights groups say they will use the interval to rally public awareness and document any further harassment of critics.
Meanwhile, the NEW Associates reiterated its commitment to “justice, equality, and democracy for all Bayelsans,” vowing to “continue resisting intimidation and standing with every citizen whose constitutional freedoms come under threat.”
