The Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in South-South, George Turnah, has defended the decision to hold a rally in Bayelsa State to honor President Bola Tinubu and Minister Nyesom Wike. Turnah, who also serves as the Convener of the Bayelsa Mega Rally for Tinubu and Wike, clarified that the event is not an endorsement of Tinubu’s second term but a show of gratitude for recent federal appointments benefiting Bayelsa.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Turnah explained that the rally, organized by the New Associate group—a grassroots organization linked to a faction of the PDP loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike—aims to celebrate the inclusion of Bayelsa’s notable sons and daughters in Tinubu’s administration.
“Why are we doing the rally in Bayelsa? The New Associate is a grassroots organization. We want to inaugurate the Bayelsa State chapter and, in doing so, hold a rally to thank Mr. President for appointing some notable sons and daughters of Bayelsa State, who are performing exceptionally well,” Turnah stated.
However, Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State has expressed strong opposition to the planned rally, warning against any attempt to host Wike or organize such gatherings in the state. He emphasized that the political crisis in neighboring Rivers State should not be imported into Bayelsa, cautioning that any effort to disrupt the state’s peace would be firmly resisted.
“As you are aware, we have threats from our sister state. The political crisis there is threatening us, and we will not allow what is happening there to come into Bayelsa State,” Governor Diri asserted. He urged security commanders, parents, and traditional rulers to remain vigilant and discourage any involvement in activities that could destabilize the state.
Despite the governor’s warning, Turnah insisted that the rally would proceed as planned but would not take place on any Bayelsa State Government property.
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