Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has issued a stern warning against the organization of political rallies that could disrupt the state's peace and security. This caution comes in response to plans by supporters of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to hold a mega rally in Bayelsa.
.jpeg)
Speaking at the 158th State Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa, Governor Diri emphasized the importance of maintaining stability, especially given the recent state of emergency declared in neighboring Rivers State. He stated, "A state of emergency has been imposed in Rivers State. President Bola Tinubu has the power to do so. All we can do from our end is to see how we can bring lasting peace to Rivers State." He further noted that events in Rivers State have a direct impact on Bayelsa, given their proximity and shared interests. "Bayelsa and Rivers are sister states, and whatever happens there has some degree of effect on our state," he added.
The governor underscored that the current period is not a political season and expressed concern over attempts to hold large-scale political gatherings. "Some persons say they want to hold a mega rally here. We are not yet in a political season. As the chief security officer of the state, I have a duty to ensure that no one disrupts the peace and security of this state," Diri asserted.
Governor Diri also highlighted the importance of following due process for any public gatherings. He cited the example of Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, who formally informed the state government of her scheduled visit, allowing for proper arrangements to ensure order and stability.
In a related development, during meetings with the Bayelsa Elders Council and the 37th session of the Bayelsa State Security Council, Governor Diri expressed disapproval of a planned rally organized by a group known as The New Associates, Bayelsa State chapter, in support of Minister Nyesom Wike. The rally was scheduled for April 12, 2025, at the Tombia Roundabout in the state. Diri directed that the program should not hold and called on elders, youths, and traditional rulers to remain vigilant. He alleged that the rally and the inauguration of a political group loyal to Wike were intended to destabilize the state. "The political crisis in Rivers State is already a threat to us, and we will not allow it to spill into Bayelsa. If your son or daughter is misbehaving, please caution," Diri warned.
The governor also accused a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, George Turnah, of attempting to create a parallel PDP structure in the state in alignment with Wike. He stated that the party in Bayelsa had suspended Turnah for attempting to take over the office of another party member. "He is no longer a member of our party in Bayelsa State. He might be a PDP member in Rivers but not here," Diri added. He urged royal fathers from the Ogbia kingdom to intervene and rein in Turnah, noting that failure to do so could disrupt the peace in the state.
In response, Lere Olayinka, the spokesman for the FCT minister, dismissed Diri's concerns, accusing the governor of using Wike's name to distract people from his governance failures. "It is unfortunate that a governor with all the security apparatus at his disposal will go on national television over mere suspicion of people planning a rally," Olayinka stated. He emphasized that if Wike intended to attend a political event in Bayelsa, he would formally notify the appropriate security agencies. "Nigerians have the right to express their support for anyone, anywhere, and anytime. Is this how much the governor fears Wike?" he questioned.
These developments underscore the heightened political tensions in the region and the importance of maintaining peace and security in Bayelsa State.
Post a Comment
0Comments