Political Storm Hits Bayelsa: Pro-Wike Demonstration Shelved Amid Mounting Legal, Party Tensions

Supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Bayelsa State have postponed their planned rally and inauguration of the political group The New Associates, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 12, in Yenagoa.

The event, intended to demonstrate solidarity with Wike and to thank President Bola Tinubu for appointing Bayelsans to federal positions, has now been rescheduled to April 26, 2025.

The postponement follows opposition from the Bayelsa State Government, which raised concerns about possible unrest. A state high court subsequently issued a restraining order against the pro-Wike rally.

The legal action came after it emerged that a Pro-Diri rally—organized by supporters of Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri—was also set for the same date, time, and venue, raising fears of a potential confrontation between rival supporters.

To avoid any tension or conflict, the organizers of the pro-Wike rally agreed to shift the date. The lead convener, George Turnah, South-South Zonal Secretary of the PDP, explained that the decision was made in the interest of peace and political stability, even though his group had not yet been formally served with the court order.

In a statement, Turnah emphasized the group’s peaceful intentions and support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, adding that they respected the right of other political groups to hold their events.

“We believe in the progress of Nigeria through President Tinubu’s vision,” he said. “As a peaceful grassroots movement, we value every life and are committed to avoiding unnecessary conflict.”

Turnah further stressed that while they have shifted their rally out of respect for Ijaw elders and leaders who appealed for calm, The New Associates would proceed with the new date regardless of any conflicting events planned by rival groups.

He expressed gratitude to their patrons, leaders, and supporters across Bayelsa for their continued encouragement and urged them to maintain momentum ahead of the April 26 rally, which he described as a mass movement for the empowerment of the Ijaw people.