Francis Agoda, a.k.a I Go Dye, a reputable stand-up comedian who was beaten black and blue recently in his native Niger Delta region, has denied insinuations in some quarters that he has been settled by a politician to the tune of N50 million as compensation for the alleged assault on his person by some security operatives at the Warri stadium some weeks back during the Delta re-run rally.

I Go Dye who spoke with selected journalists at the conclusion of Lord of the Rings comedy show organised recently by Telecoms Giants, Globacom said all he wants from the authorities is apology and not money.

“When I heard the news I was shocked. I am not in need of money from anybody but public apology from the authorities, including the Nigerian army, the Delta state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and his campaign team who failed to protect me after inviting me to the occasion.

I am giving them more two weeks after which I would instruct my lawyers to take legal action,” I Go Dye stated.

“It became necessary to take this step because it could happen to anybody. If I Go Dye can be so assaulted by military men I wonder what would happen to ordinary Nigerians. I want it to be on record that the Army assaulted me for just no cause, hence I seek a written apology.”

I Go Dye noted that the military has in recent time been carrying on as if they were at war with civilians especially in the Niger Delta where they have ravaged various communities in search of elusive militants.

Recounting what transpired at the stadium, the popular comedian stated  that he was officially invited to participate at the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Re-run Campaign but was amazed that he could be assaulted for no reason.

“I was officially invited to perform on the January 4 and I arrived  the venue  in company with some  colleagues who were also contracted to perform. Entering the stadium,  one of the military officers identified me  but I soon  realized that some of my colleagues were not allowed to enter which  prompted me to appeal to one of the senior officers on behalf of my colleagues,” I Go Dye disclosed.