Bayelsa State is on edge as a controversial rally organized by ‘The New Associates’, a political group led by PDP South South Zonal Secretary George Turnah, continues to spark tension across the state.
The rally, originally scheduled for April 12, was to feature the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. A flier promoting the event circulated on social media, triggering widespread outrage in the predominantly Ijaw-speaking state.
In an attempt to calm growing backlash, organisers released an updated flier, this time including portraits of President Bola Tinubu, Wike, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
Governor Douye Diri has, however, issued a stern warning against the planned rally, describing it as a deliberate attempt by renegade elements within the PDP to destabilize Bayelsa by importing the political crisis currently rocking neighbouring Rivers State.
“Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted,” Governor Diri warned. “I urge security commanders to be on alert. Parents and traditional rulers should caution their wards not to be used by unscrupulous elements to cause unrest.”
In response to rising concerns, security agencies launched a show of force across Yenagoa last Saturday, patrolling key streets and locations to demonstrate readiness to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The exercise, coordinated by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, involved officers from the Army, Police, Civil Defence Corps, Immigration Service, and the Correctional Service.
Despite the tension, Turnah insists the rally will go ahead as planned. He told Saturday Vanguard that all legal and security protocols had been followed.
“The rally is by invitation only, and all attendees will wear identification tags to prevent infiltration,” Turnah said, noting that the event would hold at the Tombia roundabout enclosure, a popular venue for public events.
He added that the rally is intended to celebrate President Tinubu’s appointments of notable Bayelsa sons and daughters, and will feature Ijaw traditional and cultural performances.
Turnah also acknowledged internal disputes within the Bayelsa PDP but dismissed them as “family affairs” that would be resolved internally.
As anxiety builds, Governor Diri reiterated his administration’s respect for fundamental rights, but warned that peace and security in the state will not be compromised.
“We are not a government that violates the rule of law, but I must ensure that Bayelsa remains peaceful,” Diri said on Wednesday. “No one should be allowed to disrupt the tranquility we’ve worked so hard to maintain.”
Former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) chieftain and ex-Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado, also criticized the rally’s timing, particularly in light of Wike’s recent inflammatory remarks.
He accused the rally organisers of using the excuse of appreciating President Tinubu as a cover for political scheming, adding that NDDC MD Dr. Ogbuku’s appointment predated Wike’s ministerial role.
“The governor already led a delegation to thank the president. This rally is not about gratitude—it’s about politics,” Kemepado said.
Despite these concerns, the rally appears to have the quiet backing of some PDP members in the state, raising fears of possible confrontations between rival political supporters.
With just days to go, the state remains on high alert as stakeholders continue to weigh the rally’s potential impact on Bayelsa’s fragile peace.
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