By Our Correspondent
YENAGOA — It was a chaotic scene on Saturday (Yesterday), April 26, 2025, when unidentified gunmen disrupted the rally and inauguration ceremony of the Bayelsa State Chapter of the New Associates political forum, a group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike.
The event, which took place in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, descended into panic as the gunmen launched a surprise attack with sporadic gunfire from a nearby bush just as the event was about to commence.
Eyewitnesses, who pleaded anonymity, told Niger Delta Herald that the assailants targeted attendees across political divides, inflicting injuries on several spectators and party faithful.
Swift intervention by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies helped restore calm, allowing the event to proceed later in the day.
Addressing the press after order was reestablished, Barr. Alabh George Turnah, South-South Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Bayelsa State PDP, commended the security agencies for their prompt response.
He described the attack as a failed attempt by political detractors to thwart the event. According to Turnah, some elements were bent on preventing the rally from holding.
Turnah, who is also the Convener of the New Associates in Bayelsa, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for facilitating key federal appointments for Ijaws. He stressed that the event was organized to show appreciation to the two leaders for their political support and empowerment of the Ijaw nation.
“I am a PDP member, but I have chosen to support and work for President Tinubu in recognition of his contributions to the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta region, and Nigeria at large,” Turnah stated.
He highlighted some of the notable appointments made by the current administration, including the reappointment of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as Managing Director and CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the appointment of Chief Boma Iyaye as Executive Director, Finance.
Turnah emphasized the pivotal role played by FCT Minister Wike in securing these appointments. He said, “There’s one man who made all these appointments for Ijaws possible—FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Are Bayelsans not benefitting from the NDDC under Ogbuku’s leadership? Are we not enjoying the appointments?”
He called on Governor Douye Diri to publicly declare his stance on the 2027 general elections, stating that the New Associates are ready to collaborate with him if he supports President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
The Chairman of the occasion, Senator George Sekibo, leader of the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress (RIPCO), was represented by Dr. Roland Sekibo, former Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In his remarks, Dr. Sekibo applauded President Tinubu and Minister Wike for their steadfast support of the Ijaw people. He described the New Associates as a political movement mobilizing grassroots support for the President’s re-election in 2027.
“Love must not be theoretical—it must be expressed. This gathering is a testament to the deep appreciation the Ijaw people have for President Tinubu and Minister Wike,” he said.
He also commended Turnah and the Bayelsa Coordinators of the New Associates for their courage in organizing the rally despite threats from political opponents.
According to him, the forum remains in full alignment with President Tinubu’s administration and will continue to follow the leadership of the FCT Minister.
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