Bayelsa State is currently on edge as political tensions escalate between supporters of Governor Douye Diri and those aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The brewing conflict stems from plans by both factions to hold rallies at the same venue, raising concerns about potential clashes and the stability of the state.
Governor Diri's Concerns
Governor Douye Diri has expressed strong reservations about a planned mega rally organized by a group known as The New Associates, Bayelsa State chapter, in support of Minister Nyesom Wike. The event is scheduled for April 12, 2025, at the Tombia Roundabout in the state. During meetings with the Bayelsa Elders Council and the 37th session of the Bayelsa State Security Council, Diri voiced his disapproval and alerted security agencies to remain vigilant.
In a video obtained by Saturday PUNCH, the governor stated that the rally and the inauguration of a political group loyal to Wike are intended to destabilize the state. He emphasized that the political crisis in neighboring Rivers State poses a threat to Bayelsa and warned against its spillover. Diri specifically called on elders, youths, and traditional rulers to be watchful and cautioned that any attempts to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa would be resisted. He also instructed security agencies to be on standby to prevent any potential unrest.
Allegations Against George Turnah
Governor Diri accused a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, George Turnah, of attempting to create a parallel PDP structure in Bayelsa in alignment with Wike. He announced that the party in the state has suspended Turnah for trying to take over the office of another party member, effectively revoking his membership in the Bayelsa State PDP. Diri urged royal fathers from the Ogbia kingdom to intervene and rein in Turnah, highlighting that failure to do so could disrupt the peace in the state.
Responses from Wike's Camp
In response, Lere Olayinka, the spokesman for Minister Nyesom Wike, dismissed Governor Diri's concerns as baseless. He accused the governor of using Wike's name to distract from his governance failures and criticized Diri for going on national television over mere suspicions of people planning a rally. Olayinka emphasized that Nigerians have the right to express their support for anyone, anywhere, and questioned whether this indicated Diri's fear of Wike. He also noted that if Wike intended to attend a political event in Bayelsa, he would formally notify the appropriate security agencies.
George Turnah's Defense
George Turnah, recently suspended from the PDP in Bayelsa, responded to Diri's remarks through his media assistant, Kelvin Loveday-Egbo. He maintained that ethnicity should not be a factor in politics and stated that the planned rally was meant to show support for President Bola Tinubu and Wike. Turnah assured that preparations were in full swing to ensure a peaceful event, with proper notifications sent to security agencies. He also challenged the notion that his role in the party was inappropriate, questioning whether he was unqualified simply because he was not from a particular background. Turnah reminded Governor Diri that the same Ogbia leaders, whom Diri had urged to call him to order, had previously advised against supporting Diri's governorship ambition in 2019—advice he chose to ignore. He asserted his position as a member of the PDP and the duly serving South-South Zonal Secretary of the party.
Historical Context of Diri-Wike Relationship
The relationship between Governor Diri and Minister Wike has experienced fluctuations over time. In October 2023, reports indicated that Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), played a role in reconciling the two politicians. This reconciliation was significant, considering that Diri had previously supported Atiku Abubakar over Wike during the PDP presidential primaries, leading to tensions between them. Lokpobiri's intervention aimed to mend fences and garner support for Diri's re-election bid in the November 2023 governorship election.
However, the current situation suggests that underlying issues may persist, as evidenced by the planned rallies and the ensuing political maneuvering. The alignment of rallies at the same venue has heightened concerns about potential clashes and the overall stability of Bayelsa State.
Implications for Bayelsa's Political Landscape
The unfolding events have significant implications for the political landscape of Bayelsa. The state's history of political volatility makes the current situation particularly sensitive. The governor's proactive stance in alerting security agencies and calling for vigilance reflects the seriousness of the perceived threats.
The involvement of key political figures and their supporters in organizing simultaneous rallies at the same location raises questions about the motivations behind these actions. While political rallies are a standard aspect of democratic expression, the convergence of opposing factions in a single venue is unusual and potentially incendiary.
Call for Peace and Stability
In light of these developments, there is a pressing need for all stakeholders to prioritize the peace and stability of Bayelsa State. Political leaders must exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to address their differences. The security agencies have a critical role in ensuring that law and order are maintained, and that the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly are protected without compromising public safety.
Traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society organizations should also play active roles in mediating tensions and promoting unity. The potential for political disagreements to escalate into violence underscores the importance of proactive measures to prevent conflict.
Conclusion
The planned rallies by supporters of Governor Douye Diri and Minister Nyesom Wike at the same venue have brought to the forefront existing political tensions within Bayelsa State. The situation
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