The Rivers State chapter of the National Rescue Movement, NRM, has called for unconditional release of its leader, Hon. Sobomabo Jackrich who was arrested on Monday.
Speaking, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Today, state chairman of the party, Hon. Ibiyekaribo Peters described the arrest as a flagrant violation of his fundamental right.
The statement reads,
On Monday, April 8th, 2024, in a shocking display of force, unknown gunmen dressed in military outfit conducted a brazen incursion into the premises of our esteemed leader and Governorship Candidate in the 2023 Governorship Election, High Chief Amb Sobomabo Jackrich AKA Egberipapa, located in Usokun, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Tragically, this unwarranted show of aggression on harmless law abiding resulted in the death of two of his aides, what followed was the whisking away of our leader, High Chief Egberipapa and his staff, who were unceremoniously taken away to an undisclosed location, with the deceased.
As a party, we are yet to know the perpetrators of this gruesome attack only to hear in the news from the PPRO of the Rivers State police command,DSP Grace Iringe-Koko that a sister Organisation carried out an arrest of our leader and Killing of his aides.
We therefore, call on the Nigerian Police force, Rivers State Command to make further clarifications as to:
▪️Who are the sister agencies alleged to have carried out the operation by the PPRO Rivers State Police Command?
▪️Was there a lawful warrant of arrest issued against the person of High Chief Egberipapa or was he declared wanted by the government or any securities?
▪️If that is the case we also want to know what the allegations are, leveled against him and those behind this sinister move.
If we were to dwell on the lead given to us and the general public by the Nigerian Police then we can boldly submit that this is a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights, as the Police is yet to offer any plausible explanation for this heinous attack, which led to destruction of properties, injuries and loss of lives. The continued unlawful confinement of our leader and his aides constitutes a direct assault on justice and the rule of law.
Prior to this unlawful infringement on his liberties, High Chief Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich, also known as Egberipapa, had been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in our state and beyond.
His philanthropic initiatives and commitment to fostering peace in the Niger Delta region have earned him widespread acclaim and commendation. As a former militant leader who has been charting the cause for peace, dispute resolution, and reconciliation, his tireless efforts have been instrumental in fostering stability in the region. Additionally, as a devout Christian evangelist and successful businessman, he consistently promotes non-violence among his followers.
High Chief Hon. (Amb) Sobomabo Jackrich has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the welfare of his community, and his contributions to national development warrant the utmost respect and protection from all institutions of government. His prolonged incarceration not only infringes upon his personal freedoms but also undermines the foundational principles of equity and justice for all.
As a former local government Chairman in Rivers State, Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Covid-19 Palliative distribution for Nine states, immediate Gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State, and prominent Niger Delta rights activist and philanthropist, High-Chief Amb Sobomabo Jackrich embodies selflessness and sacrifice in service to his country. High Chief Jackrich’s longstanding collaboration with the government underscores his commitment to progress and stability in the Niger Delta and beyond.
In light of these grave injustices, the National Rescue Movement, Rivers State Chapter vehemently demand;
▪️The immediate and unconditional release of High Chief Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich-Egberipapa and all others unlawfully detained, without any harm inflicted.
▪️The Nigerian Police Force and their sister security agencies involved in this should de-escalate the tensions and vacate the besieged compound of our leader and offer explanation to the horrendous attack, detention and extrajudicial killings.
▪️The Nigerian Police Force should facilitate the release of the remains of the deceased aides for proper burial and closure with their families and loved ones.
▪️Based on the information provided by the Police Command, we demand adequate compensation for the families of the young men killed in the gruesome attack and properties destroyed.
The National Rescue Movement, Rivers State Chapter, stands in solidarity with High Chief Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich and his family during this challenging period. We remain unwavering in our pursuit of justice and equity, advocating for the protection of fundamental human rights and the rule of law within our society.
We hereby call upon the attention of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, The DG of DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi CFR to intervene immediately, ensuring the safety and release of our leader, High-Chief Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich unscathed.
Furthermore, we appeal to all conscientious citizens of Rivers State, the Niger Delta region, and the nation at large, including civil societies and human rights organizations, to rally to the aid of High Chief Hon Amb Sobomabo Jackrich AKA Egberipapa and his staffs still held hostage/detained in an undisclosed location.
