Francis Dufugha, publisher of the Niger Delta Herald, a tabloid based in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital, petitioned the State Commissioner of police, Hafiz Ringim, alleging threat to his life by. Conrad Ekiyor Welson, the Press Secretary to the State Governor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
He therefore appealed to the police for protection. In the petition, the publisher claimed Nigeria’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, he went to Government House to cover the activities lined up to mark the day and that after the events he went to the press secretary’s office, but was surprised by Welson actions.Dugugha said the Press Secretary flared up, threatening him and saying such things as: “You will be killed, you will be treated like a dog, and I will feed you like a dog.” He added that the action was tantamount to breaching the peace had he reacted the way
Welson behaved. He added he had to run to the Police to seek protection knowing that as the press secretary to the governor, Welson has the resources to carry out his threats. But Welson denied threatening the publisher saying he only called him and spoke politely to him over a publication in his newspaper concerning Governor Goodluck adding that himself and Dufugha were friends and hopes to settle their differences.
