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.

A prominent Ibadan-based politician and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, has passed away.

Adeojo, who once served as the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP, died in the early hours of Friday at his residence in Iyaganku Government Reserved Area (GRA), Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

He was a respected political figure in the South-West and held the esteemed traditional title of Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland. Adeojo was also a chieftain in Ibadan and played a significant role in shaping the PDP in its early years.

The late politician was the father of Sheriff Adeojo, the current Executive Chairman of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Adeojo contested the Oyo State governorship election on the platform of the PDP in 1999, shortly after Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.

Although details surrounding his death remain sketchy as of press time, a family source confirmed the news to PUNCH on Friday.

“Our father died this morning (Friday). We are working on burial arrangements. The family will issue a statement in that regard very soon,” the source said.

Tributes are expected to pour in from across the political spectrum as Oyo State mourns the passing of one of its political stalwarts.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed speculations that its investigation into an alleged money laundering case is connected to political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In a statement released on Friday, the EFCC clarified that the probe is strictly focused on criminal allegations of conspiracy and money laundering, with no ties to any political actor. The Commission emphasized its commitment to impartiality and adherence to the law in the fight against corruption.

According to the EFCC, the investigation began in 2022. However, the suspect attempted to secure an injunction preventing her arrest and prosecution. The Federal High Court in Abuja overturned the order on February 19, 2025, ruling that law enforcement agencies have the constitutional authority to investigate any individual suspected of committing a crime.

Additionally, the court upheld an interim forfeiture order on the suspect’s assets, which were alleged to be proceeds of crime, dismissing her legal challenge as lacking merit.

“The EFCC’s case has no connection, direct or indirect, with any politician or political transaction. The Commission remains non-partisan and committed to its mandate of fighting corruption,” the statement read.

The anti-graft agency urged the public to disregard any claims of political interference and continue supporting its efforts to combat economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.