George Turnah, the South-South Zonal Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has vehemently denied allegations that he is planning to host Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at a political rally in Bayelsa State. Turnah labeled the accusations as “entirely false and dangerous,” while a Bayelsa State High Court has issued a restraining order against the proposed rally.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Turnah addressed claims made by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who accused Turnah of conspiring with Wike to destabilize the state by organizing a political rally in Yenagoa through a group known as the NEW Associates.
Turnah refuted these claims, stating that they originated from an unverified Facebook report. He clarified that he has no such plans and accused the governor of spreading misinformation. “At no time has our group, the NEW Associates Bayelsa State Chapter, or any associated entity announced plans to host Minister Wike in Bayelsa or elsewhere,” he stated, describing the governor’s reliance on social media gossip as “the highest form of rumour-mongering.”
He condemned what he called a deliberate attempt by the governor to incite public anger against him in Bayelsa. “It is shocking that His Excellency, Governor Diri, could set me up against the Ijaw Nation and the people of Bayelsa State based on a Facebook post he did not bother to verify. That’s not leadership. That’s a dangerous political trigger,” Turnah said.
The former Executive Assistant on Public Affairs to Governor Diri insisted that any ministerial visit to a state should involve official communication and security arrangements.
Turnah also expressed frustration over what he perceived as a systematic sidelining of his people and alleged that Governor Diri’s administration deliberately rendered him politically irrelevant. “Politics is local. If my people who stood with you get nothing in return, what exactly are we doing? Kolo and Ogbia Ward 9 have been neglected in every sense. We have no projects, no appointments, nothing,” Turnah lamented.
He also linked the governor’s growing hostility toward him to their differing positions during the 2023 presidential race. While Turnah supported the Southern Governors’ call for a southern presidency, Governor Diri backed northern candidate Atiku Abubakar.
Court Issues Restraining Order:
Meanwhile, a Bayelsa State High Court, sitting in Yenagoa, has issued an order restraining associates of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, from holding a mega rally in the state pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.
The proposed rally is scheduled for Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on April 12, 2025.
Hon. Justice I.A Uzakah granted the Motion Ex-Parte in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/133/2025 on Thursday, in a suit filed by the state’s Attorney General, Mr. Biriyai Dambo SAN.
Listed as first and second defendants/respondents in the suit are the lead convener of the NEW Associates, organisers of the rally, Mr. George Turnah, and the FCT Minister, Wike. The other defendants are the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Police Command.
The matter is adjourned to April 11, 2025 for hearing.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri and the organizers of the pro-Wike rally during the week engaged in disagreement over the proposed rally.
George Turnah Denies Plot to Host Wike Rally, Accuses Bayelsa Governor of Spreading Fake News.
