Niger Delta Congress Leader Released After Detention: A Victory For Democracy

Chief Nubari Saatah Walks Free: A Turning Point for the Niger Delta Congress

In a significant development, the leader of the Niger Delta Congress (NDC), Chief Nubari Saatah, has been released from detention. This comes after his arrest in connection with the planned protest against President Bola Tinubu’s emergency measures in Rivers State. The news was confirmed by a representative of the pro-democracy TakeItBack Movement late Wednesday evening, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for civil rights in the region.

Let me break this down for you. Imagine being a leader standing up for your community, only to find yourself behind bars. That’s exactly what happened to Chief Saatah, but thanks to the efforts of advocacy groups like the TakeItBack Movement, he’s now back where he belongs—with his people. And here’s the kicker: no money changed hands for his release. Instead, the group agreed to a more collaborative approach moving forward by promising to notify the police ahead of any future protests. It’s a small step, but it’s progress.

From Arrest to Release: What Happened?

The story begins with an invitation extended to the NDC spokesperson, Mudiaga Ogboru, by the police. This wasn’t your typical social gathering; it was in response to his outspoken criticism of President Tinubu’s emergency rule and his encouragement for the people of the Niger Delta to exercise their right to protest. But instead of waiting for Ogboru to respond to the invitation, the police took matters into their own hands and arrested the NDC president, Chief Saatah, in Port Harcourt.

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Now, picture this: Ogboru receives not one but two invitations—one from the Lagos State Police Command and another from the Rivers State Police Command. These weren’t casual meet-and-greets; they were serious inquiries related to the planned protest against the emergency rule. But since the police couldn’t get their hands on Ogboru, they decided to detain the president of the NDC instead. It’s a classic case of the wrong guy getting caught up in the crossfire.

The Role of Advocacy Groups

Here’s where the TakeItBack Movement steps in. This group, dedicated to advancing democratic values, played a crucial role in securing Chief Saatah’s release. After he was transferred to the state CID, the movement intervened, ensuring that the leader was freed without any financial burden. Instead, they signed an undertaking to inform the authorities before organizing any protests. It’s a compromise, sure, but one that could pave the way for more constructive dialogue between activists and law enforcement.

As the source from the TakeItBack Movement put it, “We have just secured his release after he was transferred to the state CID. Yes, we just signed an undertaking to inform them whenever we want to hold the protest.” It’s a statement that reflects both resilience and pragmatism, showing that even in the face of adversity, progress can still be made.

The Invitation That Never Was

Let’s take a closer look at the invitation letter that sparked this whole ordeal. It read, “You are invited to see the Officer in charge SID at the above-named Police Station/Post in connection with a case reported on the 23rd day of MARCH, 2025. It is just a fact-finding invitation and your very co-operation will be much appreciated; on arrival please report to O/C SID of the SID OFFICE, Ikeja LAG.”

And here’s the kicker: “Looking forward to seeing you on or before 25TH MAR, 2025:11:00 am.” Sounds straightforward, right? But in reality, it set off a chain of events that led to the detention of a prominent leader. It’s a reminder that even the simplest of invitations can carry significant weight when it comes to matters of civil rights and justice.

In conclusion, the release of Chief Nubari Saatah is more than just a victory for the Niger Delta Congress—it’s a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of standing up for what’s right. As the region continues to navigate the complexities of governance and civil liberties, stories like this offer a glimmer of hope that change is possible. And as Anderson Cooper might say, “Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning of a much bigger conversation.”

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