Alleged $4.6m theft: APC kicks over arrest of Sylva’s ex-aide 

Streams of controversies is trailing the arrest of a former aide to former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, Barrister Jonah Okah,  over alleged fictitious posting on facebook.

The state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has condemned what it called unlawful arrest and detention of Okah, describing the arrest as a proof of the level of intimidation melted on the opposition party members in the state.

Okah, who was arrested, on Wednesday, was accused of posting alleged fictitious comments on facebook claiming to have had a conversation with the Government House accountant, Richard Etonye, confirming the stolen $4.6 million purportedly belonging to the State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson at the State Government House.

Authorities of the state Police Command confirmed Okah’s arrest. Spokesman of the police command,  Asimin Butswat, said the arrest was based on the petition filed by the Government House account, Etonye accusing him of criminal defamation.

The APC, in a statement issued, on Thursday,  via email and signed by the party Publicity Secetary, Hon. Panebi Fortune, called on the  federal government to investigate this impunity and total breach of human right to association melted on a citizen of the country,” the arrested lawyer has freedom to criticise and air his view about any government in a democratic setting.”

“The threat and unwarranted arrest by the Dickson led administration in the state might lead to anarchy, adding that the security operatives are suppose to protect its citizen and not intimidate them through political orders. The party condemned strongly the police  arrest of innocent Bayelsans on daily basic, constructively criticising government for better governance, describing the gestapo action of the police as unconstitutional, uncivilised  and an abuse on infringement of his fundamental right. ”

In the petition dated 30th of August,2016 and  filed by Richard Etonye, Barr. Okah was accused of making a false allegation against him which he also publicised on his facebook account,”Okah claimed that he had discussed with Ritche on phone and that he confessed to have absconded with the sum of $4.6 million belonging to the state government.”

“He neither discussed with Okah as claimed nor absconded with any money belonging to Bayelsa State Government. I was with the state governor, Seriake Dickson, at the time of Okah’s false allegation and i had travelled with my boss to Akure in Ondo State where the governor was the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship primary election.”

“No conversation took place between Mr.Jonah and myself. The whole story (allegation) is a figment of the author’s imagination, deliberately crafted to maliciously defame my person, character and ridicule my office”, he stated.

Etonye, who expressed dismay over Okah’s conduct, had therefore petitioned the police to invite and interrogate Okah to prove his allegations as he also threatened litigation to defend his hard earned reputation.

He stated that Okah’s action constituted an offence under section 302 of the criminal code law of Bayelsa State.  He, however, requested Okah’s unreserved apology which should also be disseminated via same media he used for the false allegation against him as condition to halt litigation against Okah.

Etonye further requested Okah to publish the apology letter in two national newspapers and two local papers with a copy addressed to his professional body, the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) to clear his name of any misconduct.

“The allegation of stealing and absconding made against me by Mr. Jonah Okah has subjected me to terrible shock, psychological trauma, low professional self-esteem and robbed me of the goodwill I have laboured hard to earn over the years. It was a maliciously crafted propaganda designed to impugn my person, reputation and profession as a chartered accountant”, he stated.