The organizers of a rally in support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have insisted on proceeding with their planned event despite opposition from Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.
During a meeting with Bayelsa elders and security agencies on Wednesday, Governor Diri raised concerns that the rally could incite violence.
He urged security agencies and stakeholders to avoid any actions that might lead to a breakdown of law and order in the state.
However, in response, George Turnah, the South-South Zonal Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a key organizer of the rally, dismissed the governor’s concerns.
In a statement issued by his media assistant, Kelvin Loveday-Egbo, Turnah asserted that arrangements for the event were in full swing and that freedom of association and peaceful assembly is a constitutional right.
Turnah emphasized that the rally is intended to show solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Wike.
He rejected claims that he was working with a former governor to destabilize Bayelsa State, stating that his grassroots movement, New Associates, is solely focused on mobilizing support for Tinubu’s administration in the South-South region.
A promotional flyer obtained in Yenagoa lists prominent attendees, including Wike, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Managing Director Chief Samuel Ogbuku, among others. The event is scheduled to launch officially in Bayelsa on April 12, 2025, with security agencies duly notified.
Turnah also reminded Governor Diri that some of the Ogbia elders who were now asked to call him to order had previously urged him not to support Diri’s 2019 gubernatorial bid, a request he chose to ignore.
Reaffirming his commitment to the PDP, Turnah expressed confusion over the governor’s objections to his political alignment with Wike.
He emphasized his right to political association and recalled that Governor Diri himself had made personal political choices in the past.
While acknowledging internal disagreements within the PDP as a family affair, Turnah expressed confidence that the issues would be resolved soon.
He also commended Governor Diri for his achievements and pledged continued support for the prosperity agenda of his administration.
Additionally, he called on youths, women, and political stakeholders across party lines to participate in the rally and show appreciation to President Tinubu and Wike for their contributions to Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation.
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