There is growing political tension in Bayelsa State ahead of the April 12 mega rally in support of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the organizers are also planning to inaugurate a political group called “The New Associates, Bayelsa Chapter.”
However, Governor Douye Diri has warned against the rally, saying it is capable of triggering violence. Despite this warning, George Turnah, the lead organizer, has defied the governor, vowing that the rally would proceed as planned.
Following this development, supporters of Governor Diri have scheduled their own rally at the same venue on the same date and time.
Last week, during meetings with Bayelsa Elders and Security chiefs, Governor Diri cautioned that the planned pro-Wike rally could ignite crisis in the state due to the already tense political climate in neighboring Rivers State.
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Just days after the governor declared his stance against the pro-Wike rally, his supporters under the group “Izon Keme-Ama Assembly” announced their own “Assured Prosperity Rally in Appreciation of His Excellency Senator Douye Diri’s Unprecedented Achievements in Bayelsa State.”
According to a flyer from Tony Nathan Ile, convener of the pro-Diri rally, all sons and daughters of Izon, both at home and abroad, are urged to attend.
Political analysts in the state have called on security agencies not to approve the same venue, date, and time for both groups, warning that supporters could clash and cause a major political crisis.
DSP Musa Muhammad, the police spokesman in Bayelsa State, could not be reached by phone to confirm whether police authorities would approve the venue for both groups to hold rallies on the same date.