Supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Bayelsa State have postponed the rally and inauguration of the political group called ‘New Associates’ earlier billed for Saturday April 12, in Yenagoa.
The rally, which was planned in support of the the FCT minister, was also aimed at thanking President Bola Tinubu for appointing Bayelsa sons and daughters into various political offices in the country.
The state government had oppposed the rally and a state high court during the week issued an order restraining the supporters from hosting such a rally in the state.
Supporters of the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, had also planned Pro-Diri rally on the same date, venue and time. The conveners of Pro-Wike rally said the postponement was to guide against any clash and bloodshed by the supporters of both politicians.
Speaking to newsmen on Friday in Yenagoa, the lead Convener of the pro-Wike rally, George Turnah and members of his new associates political group, said they decided to shift their own rally to April 26 to avoid any clash by the supporters of Governor Douye Diri.
Turnah, who is also the South South Zonal Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), however said that if the supporters of any other politician decided to also fix their own rally on the the new date, his group would not have any other option but to go ahead with the rally.
He explained that they were yet to be served with the court order restraining them from holding a rally in the state.
He 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.
“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.
“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.
“As such, we will now hold our inauguration and mega rally on Saturday, 26th April 2025, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. 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.
“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.
“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.”(Daily trust)
