Supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have deferred their planned rally and the launch of a political movement in Bayelsa State originally slated for Saturday, April 12, in Yenagoa.
The group, operating under the banner “New Associates,” said the event was intended to both rally behind the FCT Minister and express appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Bayelsans to key political roles.
However, tensions mounted earlier in the week after the Bayelsa State Government opposed the rally, and a state high court issued a restraining order preventing it from taking place.
Coincidentally, a pro-Diri rally in support of Governor Douye Diri had been scheduled for the same date, time, and location, raising fears of a potential confrontation. In response, the conveners of the Wike-aligned rally said they opted to shift their event to avoid possible violence.
George Turnah, the lead convener of the rally and South South Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), spoke to journalists on Friday in Yenagoa, confirming the change of date to April 26.
Turnah said, “It’s a pleasure to address you this afternoon, especially regarding our preparations for the inauguration of the Bayelsa State Chapter of The New Associates. This grassroots political movement is committed to rallying support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration. We strongly believe that President Tinubu’s success is intertwined with Nigeria’s success, and as citizens, we must support our leadership in achieving this vision.
“As a peaceful organisation, we are dedicated to promoting peace, security, and the well-being of all Nigerians. Every single life, whether an Ijaw man or any other Nigerian, is precious and of utmost importance to us.”
He further stated that the decision to postpone came after several groups supporting other politicians, including Diri and former governor Aminu Tambuwal, also announced plans to stage rallies at the same venue and date.
“In light of recent developments, you may recall that several Pro-Diri and Pro-Tambuwal groups have issued public notices expressing their intentions to hold solidarity rallies in support of their respective leaders, opting to do so on the same date and at the same venue we have chosen for our programme,” Turnah said.
“We are inclined to allow them the right and space to hold their events as scheduled, creating an atmosphere that will enable the entire country to witness their capacities and acceptance among the Ijaw people in Bayelsa State.”
He added that the group’s new rally date—April 26—was set after consultations with key stakeholders and traditional leaders.
“This decision has been made in deference to notable leaders and fathers of the Ijaw nation who have, for various reasons, reached out to us to consider a shift in date,” he said.
While confirming the postponement, Turnah also emphasized that the group had not yet been officially served with the court order.
He warned that if any rival group attempts to fix their own rally on the rescheduled date, the New Associates would proceed with their event regardless.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Grand Patron, other patrons, matrons, leaders, associates, and the teeming members of The New Associates across the state for their unwavering support, encouragement, and solidarity during this time,” he said.
“We also extend our gratitude to the people of Bayelsa State and Ijaw nation for their interest and enthusiasm to be part of this mass movement aimed at the liberation of our land and empowerment of our people. We ask that we all keep the momentum going.”
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