Gov. Diri,
Tension has gripped Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, as a planned rally in honor of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, faces stiff opposition from Governor Douye Diri.
The event, organized by the NEW associates—a political movement aligned with Wike—was scheduled to hold today (Saturday) but has been met with strong resistance from the Bayelsa State government.
Governor Diri, citing security concerns, has warned against the rally, stating that it could disrupt the peace of the state.
During a state security meeting, he raised concerns over an alleged “plot to breach the peace of the state,” adding that any attempt to transfer the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State to Bayelsa would be firmly resisted.
“Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted,” Diri declared.
“I urge security commanders in the state to be on the alert. Parents and traditional rulers should discourage their wards and children from being used by unscrupulous elements to cause trouble in the state.”
The governor also linked the situation to the suspension of George Turnah, the South-South Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a known ally of Wike.
According to Diri, Turnah’s suspension was necessary due to his alleged role in creating factions within the Bayelsa PDP.
“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,” the governor said.
Diri further accused Turnah of working alongside a former governor to establish a parallel PDP structure in the state, an action he described as unacceptable.
He recalled that the PDP South-South zonal congress, which Turnah participated in, had been rejected by the party’s National Working Committee.
“We had in our party a renegade, who has decided to form a parallel PDP in Bayelsa State, working with an ex-governor. The party in our state suspended him for gross misconduct, and for now, he is not a member of our party in Bayelsa State,” Diri stated.
He emphasized that Bayelsa, as the homeland of the Ijaw people, would not tolerate any act that could disturb its peace.
He warned against underestimating the state’s peaceful nature, insisting that law and order would be upheld.
“The peaceful disposition of the Ijaws should not be misconstrued for cowardice,” Diri said.
“We will not allow a faceless group to foment trouble in Bayelsa.”
