Bayelsa Pro-Wike Rally, Diri’s Counter Rescheduled for April 26

The pro-Wike rally planned for the Bayelsa State capital, Yenagoa, to honour President Bola Tinubu and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been postponed, along with competing rallies supporting Governor Douye Diri and former Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

All three events have been rescheduled for Saturday, April 26th, raising concerns about potential clashes and escalating political tensions in the state.

The initial rally, organized by the NEW Associates, a grassroots movement advocating for President Tinubu’s second term, was slated to inaugurate its Bayelsa State chapter.

Convener, George Turnah announced the postponement on Friday, citing concerns for public safety and pressure from respected leaders within the Ijaw nation.

“We were compelled to shift the date to avert potential loss of lives,” Turnah stated at a press conference. He also revealed that pro-Diri and pro-Tambuwal groups had planned rallies for the same venue and time, prompting the NEW Associates to defer to allow all groups the space to demonstrate support for their respective leaders.

However, the situation took a turn when, following Turnah’s announcement, the Director General of New Media to Governor Diri, Dr. Kolawole Oredipe, confirmed on Facebook that the rally in support of the governor had also been rescheduled for April 26th. Similarly, a representative of the Tambuwal support group posted that their rally had been moved to the same date, citing “recent developments.”

This collective shift has ignited speculation and raised questions about the underlying motivations.

Turnah, in a pointed remark before the postponements were finalized, suggested that if the other groups also chose April 26th, it would be a clear indication of which faction was seeking confrontation.