Organisers of the upcoming mega rally in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, have confirmed that the event will proceed as scheduled on April 12, 2025, despite a recent court ruling that some have interpreted as a potential hindrance.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, George Turnah, South-South Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one of the key organisers of the event, clarified that the Bayelsa State High Court’s judgment has been widely misinterpreted. He emphasized that the court’s restraining order does not pertain to the rally they are planning.
Turnah explained that the rally, organised under the banner of a group known as “New Associates,” is intended solely for the inauguration of the Bayelsa State chapter of the group and to express appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing prominent individuals from Bayelsa State into significant federal positions.
“Our rally, as made public, is specifically for inaugurating the Bayelsa chapter of the New Associates and thanking President Tinubu for appointing sons and daughters of Bayelsa into positions of national trust. This is clearly not the purpose captured in the court order,” Turnah asserted.
He further explained that the legal order in question does not explicitly restrain gatherings like the one they plan to hold. “The order doesn’t prohibit meetings or rallies with our stated purpose. So we are going ahead. It’s like saying, ‘Don’t hold a press conference in Cubana Hotel for one purpose,’ but that doesn’t stop others from holding theirs for different reasons,” he said.
Turnah added that the rally is not intended to cause political unrest or provoke ethnic tensions, as some have claimed. “Our focus is appreciation and solidarity. President Tinubu has shown goodwill towards Bayelsa by appointing capable individuals from our state. This includes the Head of Service of the Federation, among others. These appointments were facilitated by a true friend of Bayelsa and the Ijaw people, Minister Nyesom Wike,” he explained.
He emphasized that Minister Wike has not been invited to the rally, nor is his attendance anticipated. “Wike is not part of the programme. He hasn’t been invited. And as Minister of the FCT, his movements are governed by state protocols. So all the noise about Wike visiting Bayelsa is mere politics,” Turnah stated.
He also condemned attempts to politicize or ethnicize the rally, urging journalists and the public to uphold constitutional values rather than engage in divisive narratives.
Responding to allegations from Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, who reportedly accused him of colluding with Wike to create unrest, Turnah expressed deep disappointment. He said it was shocking that the governor would rely on unverified social media posts to launch such serious accusations.
“The governor accused me of planning insecurity with Wike. That’s false, baseless, and dangerous. On March 28, he pulled a trigger of incitement against me, but by the grace of God, I am still here to tell the story,” Turnah declared.
He reiterated his commitment to peaceful political engagement and recalled his political roots, which trace back to former President Goodluck Jonathan. “I was mentored by President Jonathan—a leader of high integrity and democratic values. I remain grateful to him and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, for shaping my political journey. I continue to be guided by the values they instilled in me: loyalty, humility, and service.”
He concluded by affirming that he harbours no personal animosity towards Governor Diri, stressing that his goal is to promote unity and progress for Bayelsa State.
The mega rally, according to Turnah, remains a lawful, peaceful gathering aimed at appreciation and inauguration—not a platform for political conflict or destabilization.
