By Juliet Aliwo
The New Associates, a group aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, has announced its intention to hold a major rally in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on April 12, despite a restraining order issued by a State High Court.
George Turnah, the group’s leader, addressed the media in Abuja on Friday, accusing Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri of spreading misinformation to incite division and hostility among the Ijaw people. Turnah clarified that the group did not intend to host Minister Wike in Bayelsa, emphasizing the need for proper communication between federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, for any ministerial visit.
The planned rally has raised concerns in Bayelsa State, with Governor Diri stating during a recent Executive Council meeting that he would not allow the event to take place. He argued that holding the rally would be “unwise and counter-productive,” especially amid ongoing peace efforts related to the political situation in neighboring Rivers State.
On Thursday, Justice I.A. Uzakah of the Bayelsa State High Court granted an ex-parte motion to halt the rally, citing concerns over political assemblies in the state. The court’s order restrains the group from conducting any political gathering aimed at expressing solidarity or celebrating the minister.
In response, Turnah maintained that the rally’s purpose differs from that outlined in the court order. He stated that the event aims to inaugurate the TNA Bayelsa State Chapter and express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing prominent Bayelsa citizens to key positions.
“Our rally is not for the purposes stated in the court’s order,” Turnah asserted. “We are moving forward with our plans, as the order does not apply to our intended activities. Until we receive a clear injunction against our rally, we will proceed as scheduled on April 12.”
The situation continues to develop as both sides prepare for potential confrontations over the upcoming rally.
