Bayelsa State is on high alert ahead of a controversial rally planned by The New Associates, a political group led by PDP South South Zonal Secretary, George Turnah. The rally, scheduled for April 12 in Yenagoa, is expected to host the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, sparking widespread concern across the state.
Initial fliers promoting the rally, widely circulated on social media, featured only Wike. However, growing outrage—particularly in the predominantly Ijaw-speaking state—forced organisers to redesign the flier. The updated version now includes the portraits of President Bola Tinubu, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, in a bid to ease tensions.
Governor Douye Diri has voiced strong opposition to the event, warning that it poses a threat to the peace of the state. Diri cited the ongoing political turmoil in neighbouring Rivers State, describing the rally as a ploy by a “PDP renegade” to import instability into Bayelsa.
“Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted,” the governor said, urging security agencies, parents, and community leaders to remain vigilant.
In response, security forces staged a show of force across major streets in Yenagoa last Saturday, involving personnel from the Navy, Army, Police, NSCDC, Immigration, and Correctional Services. The operation was aimed at demonstrating readiness to secure lives and property amid growing fears of unrest.
Despite the mounting concerns, organisers remain defiant. Speaking to Saturday Vanguard, Turnah insisted the event would go ahead as planned, stating that security notifications had been filed, and attendance would be strictly by invitation. The venue, located at Tombia roundabout, is commonly used for public events and will be secured, he added.
“We’re celebrating Wike and Mr. President for appointing capable Bayelsa sons and daughters into key roles,” Turnah said. “This is a grassroots movement, not a provocation.”
However, critics like Alfred Kemepado, a former IYC leader and ex-commissioner for youth development, questioned the timing and motives behind the event. He argued that the rally was not truly about thanking President Tinubu and pointed out that some of the appointments being cited predated Wike’s ministerial role.
Kemepado warned that recent provocative statements by Wike had inflamed tensions and that hosting a rally in his honour could lead to further unrest.
Governor Diri reiterated on Wednesday that while his administration respects the Constitution and fundamental rights, the peace and security of Bayelsa would not be compromised.
“We’re not yet in a political season. No one is being stopped from exercising their rights, but I won’t allow anyone to threaten the state’s peace,” Diri declared.
Despite resistance from some quarters, The New Associates still enjoys backing from segments of the PDP in Bayelsa. But with emotions running high and security forces already deployed, fears remain over the potential for clashes between supporters and opponents of the rally.
All eyes are now on April 12, as Bayelsa walks a tightrope between political expression and public order.
