Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has alerted security agencies in the state regarding a planned rally organized by a group called The New Associates, Bayelsa State chapter, in support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The rally, scheduled for April 12, 2025, at the Tombia Roundabout in Bayelsa, is intended to show solidarity with Wike and his political agenda. However, Governor Diri has expressed his disapproval of the event, urging that it should not go ahead.
During a meeting with the Bayelsa Elders Council and the 37th session of the Bayelsa State Security Council, Diri strongly condemned the rally, calling for heightened vigilance among the people of Bayelsa. A video of the meeting, seen by Saturday PUNCH, shows the governor instructing elders, youths, and traditional rulers to remain alert in the face of the planned political event.
Governor Diri accused the rally and the inauguration of a political group loyal to Wike of being part of a scheme to destabilize Bayelsa State. He also warned that any attempt to create tension in the state would not be tolerated. “The political crisis in Rivers State is already a threat to us, and we will not allow it to spill into Bayelsa,” Diri stated, adding that he had instructed security agencies to remain on standby to prevent any unrest.
Diri went further to caution political figures in Bayelsa, urging them to maintain order and avoid actions that could lead to instability. “If your son or daughter is misbehaving, please caution,” he warned, emphasizing the need for unity and peace within the state. His concerns were particularly focused on the activities of George Turnah, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, who he accused of trying to establish a parallel PDP structure in Bayelsa aligned with Wike’s interests.
The governor made it clear that Turnah was no longer a member of the PDP in Bayelsa due to his actions. “The party in our state has suspended George Turnah for attempting to take over the office of one of our sons. He is no longer a member of our party in Bayelsa State. He might be a PDP member in Rivers, but not here,” Diri asserted. He also urged royal fathers from the Ogbia kingdom to intervene and bring Turnah to order, as he believed his actions could disrupt the state’s peace.
Governor Diri recalled that just recently, Turnah had posted on social media about receiving Wike in Bayelsa, particularly in Yenagoa. “If you don’t call him to order, he will disrupt the peace in this state,” Diri warned, stressing the importance of maintaining harmony in the state. His remarks reflect the governor’s desire to prevent any external political influence from destabilizing Bayelsa.
In response to Diri’s comments, Lere Olayinka, the spokesperson for Minister Nyesom Wike, dismissed the governor’s concerns. Olayinka accused Diri of using Wike’s name to distract the public from his own governance shortcomings. “It is unfortunate that a governor with all the security apparatus at his disposal will go on national television over mere suspicion of people planning a rally,” he said. He further emphasized that if Wike intended to attend a political event in Bayelsa, he would have formally notified the appropriate security agencies.
Olayinka also pointed out that Nigerians have the right to express their support for anyone they choose, regardless of the timing or location. “Nigerians have the right to express their support for anyone, anywhere, and anytime. Is this how much the governor fears Wike?” Olayinka questioned, suggesting that the governor’s concerns were exaggerated and politically motivated.
Meanwhile, George Turnah responded to Governor Diri’s accusations, addressing the issue through a statement issued by his media assistant, Kelvin Loveday-Egbo. Turnah maintained that the planned rally was a peaceful demonstration of support for President Bola Tinubu and Minister Nyesom Wike, and that preparations were being made to ensure the event was conducted smoothly. He also pointed out that proper notifications had been sent to security agencies to ensure a peaceful gathering.
Turnah further challenged the governor’s criticism of his role in the PDP, asserting that his ethnicity should not be a factor in his political involvement. “Ethnicity should not be a factor in politics,” he declared, and reminded Governor Diri that the Ogbia leaders, whom Diri had urged to call him to order, were the same ones who had advised Diri not to support his governorship ambition in 2019—advice that Diri had ignored. “I remain a member of the PDP and the duly serving South-South Zonal Secretary of the party,” Turnah concluded, reinforcing his political standing and the legitimacy of the planned rally.
