Bayelsa: Group calls for release of politician detained since October 26

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and the National Human Rights Commission have been urged to ensure the release of Tonye Okio detained since October 26, 2013.
Okio, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, was arrested for alleged defamation of character of Dickson.
The South West Zone of the CNPP made the appeal for Okio’s release on Tuesday after an emergency meeting of the group in Lagos.
The Secretary of the group, Austin Nnorom, told newsmen that the continued detention of Okio amounted to denial of his constitutional rights.
Nnorom said: “Whatever his offence, Okio’s continued detention may be sending the wrong signal at a time when the nation wants peace in all parts of the country.
“We sincerely appeal to the governor to use his good offices and also in the spirit of love and the new year, to see to his release.”
He also called on the NHRC to intervene in the matter in the interest of peace.
According to him, Nigeria will be entering a new phase in 2014 “and there is need for total peace across the nation.
“Many Nigerians are accusing politicians of being responsible for the pockets of disruption of peace in some parts of the country.
“The 2015 general election is fast approaching and the race for ensuring a violence-free election must be championed by politicians.”
Nnorom also called on the judiciary to set up a committee to look into the matter for early resolution.