Achieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and spokesman of Bayelsa State governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged multi-billionnaira contract scamat the Amnesty Programme.

The spokesman,Miebi Bribena, who was said to bea major beneficiary of the Amnesty Programme,was arrested early yesterday by EFCC operatives.

Hewas taken to the agency’s headquarters in Wuse inthe Federal Capital Territory,Abuja,wherehe wasquizzedfor several hours.‹He was still being detained at the EFCC office at the time of filling this report.

It was gatheredthat Bribena was being interrogated over allegations that he absconded after collecting heavy mobilisation fees from the Amnesty office without executing the contract for which the money was paid for.

Sources close to the agency confirmed Bribena’s arrest intimating that he actually collected about 95 per cent of the contract sum but therewasnothing on the ground as structures to justify the amount collected and he wasaccordinglyarrested to account for his action.

While commenting on Bribena’s arrest, the Director of Publicity of the Restoration Campaign Organisation, Jonathan Obuebite, in a statement in Yenagoa, the state capital, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his courage togo after criminal elements within his party, the APCand charged him to domore as he said there wereothers like Bribenaparading themselves on the streets of Yenagoa.

He stated that President Buhari’s stance to goafter APC members with criminal pastin Bayelsa State,was an indication that joining APC will not prevent anyone who breaches the law from arrest and prosecution, urging him to do more.

Hestated: “President Buhari must be commended for the arrest of Miebi Bribenaand we urge him to go after others like him who believe joining APC will prevent them from any arrest. A criminal is a criminal whether you are a flagbearer or spokesman. We are beginning to see that the so-called “federal might” being orchestrated by APC in the state as instrument of protection is a hoax afterall. Being a member of APC does not grant you immunity from being arrested and standing trial for prosecution. This is important especially for Mr. President’s cherished integrity and his place in history. That’s what leadership is all about.”

•Photo shows EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu.