Pro-Wike Rally Postponed, Supporters Give New Date

Supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Bayelsa State have decided to postpone their planned rally and inauguration of their political group, ‘New Associates.’

The event was initially supposed to take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Yenagoa, but it will now hold on April 26, 2025.

The purpose of the rally is to show support for Wike and also to thank President Bola Tinubu for giving political appointments to some sons and daughters of Bayelsa State. However, the state government opposed the event because of concerns that it might cause unrest.

Earlier, a state high court gave an order stopping the rally from taking place. The legal action came because the pro-Wike rally was scheduled for the same day, venue, and time as another rally organised by supporters of the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri. This raised fears of a possible clash between the two groups.

To avoid any violence or problems, the organisers of the Wike supporters’ rally decided to change their date. The leader of the group, George Turnah, who is the South-South Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), explained that the postponement was necessary to maintain peace and avoid conflict with supporters of Governor Diri.

Turnah made it clear that if any other political group decided to hold a rally on the new date, his group would still go ahead with their own event. He also noted that they had not yet received the court order stopping them from holding the rally. Despite this, he said the decision to postpone was in the interest of peace and stability in Bayelsa State.

He said, “It’s a pleasure to address you this afternoon, especially regarding our preparations for the inauguration of the Bayelsa State Chapter of The New Associates. This grassroots political movement is committed to rallying support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration. We strongly believe that President Tinubu’s success is intertwined with Nigeria’s success, and as citizens, we must support our leadership in achieving this vision.”

He further said, “As a peaceful organisation, we are dedicated to promoting peace, security, and the well-being of all Nigerians. Every single life, whether an Ijaw man or any other Nigerian, is precious and of utmost importance to us.”

Turnah also explained that other political groups supporting different leaders had chosen to hold their rallies on the same date and venue as theirs. He said, “In light of recent developments, you may recall that several Pro-Diri and Pro-Tambuwal groups have issued public notices expressing their intentions to hold solidarity rallies in support of their respective leaders, opting to do so on the same date and at the same venue we have chosen for our programme.”

He added, “We are inclined to allow them the right and space to hold their events as scheduled, creating an atmosphere that will enable the entire country to witness their capacities and acceptance among the Ijaw people in Bayelsa State.”

He finally announced, “As such, we will now hold our inauguration and mega rally on Saturday, 26th April 2025, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. This decision has been made in deference to notable leaders and fathers of the Ijaw nation who have, for various reasons, reached out to us to consider a shift in date.”

Turnah appreciated everyone who had supported them so far. He said, “We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Grand Patron, other patrons, matrons, leaders, associates, and the teeming members of The New Associates across the state for their unwavering support, encouragement, and solidarity during this time.”

He also thanked the people of Bayelsa State and the Ijaw nation for their interest in the movement. He concluded, “We also extend our gratitude to the people of Bayelsa State and Ijaw nation for their interest and enthusiasm to be part of this mass movement aimed at the liberation of our land and empowerment of our people. We ask that we all keep the momentum going.”

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