Palpable tension has gripped the Bayelsa State capital as the ongoing political crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the national and Rivers State levels appears to be spreading into the state.
The crisis escalated following plans by the Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (NEW) associates, a political movement led by George Turnah, to hold a mega rally in Yenagoa today. The movement is widely seen as loyal to the FCT Minister and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike. However, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has strongly opposed the event, citing security concerns.
Governor Diri, during a state security meeting, raised an alarm over what he described as “a plot to breach the peace of the state.” He warned that Bayelsa would not condone any act that could destabilize the state, urging security commanders, youths, elders, and traditional rulers to be on high alert.
Diri specifically pointed to Turnah’s role in the ongoing crisis, stating that the South-South Secretary of the PDP had been suspended from the party for allegedly attempting to create factions within the Bayelsa PDP. He further alleged that the planned event was part of a broader scheme to import the political turmoil in Rivers State into Bayelsa.
“Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted,” Diri declared. “I urge security commanders in the state to be on the alert. Parents and traditional rulers should discourage their wards and children from being used by unscrupulous elements to cause trouble in the state.”
The governor emphasized that Bayelsa, as the homeland of the Ijaw people, would not tolerate any actions that could jeopardize its peace. He warned against any parallel PDP structure being formed in the state and insisted that Turnah’s suspension was necessary to preserve party unity.
The unfolding situation has heightened political tensions in Bayelsa, with observers closely monitoring how security agencies will respond to the planned rally and its potential impact on the state’s stability.
