By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Chapter of The NEW Associates, a pro-Bola Tinubu political movement, has rescheduled its inauguration and mega rally to 26th April 2025 in Yenagoa, following interventions by Ijaw leaders and clashes with rival groups.
The decision follows a restraining order issued by the Bayelsa State High Court and concerns over potential clashes with supporters of Governor Douye Diri, who had planned a rally on the same date and venue.
The New Associates which equally double as supporters of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Lead Convener, George Turnah, announced in a press conference in Yenagoa, said the new date for the rally is April 26, 2025.
He emphasized the group’s commitment to peace and avoiding bloodshed. stating that, while they respect the court’s decision, they have not yet been formally served with the order.
He reiterated that the rally aims to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration and celebrate appointments of Bayelsa natives to national positions.
Toriplenty recall that, Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa in a judgement delivered yesterday, the 10th of April, 2025 in Suit No: SUIT NO: BYHC/YHC/CV/73/2025 between Hon. Solomon Agwanana & Ors v George Turnah & Anor has upheld the suspension of Alabh George Turnah as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party Bayelsa State Chapter by the State Working Committee.
The Court held that by the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party, the State Working Committee has the power to suspend Mr. George Turnah.
However Turner explained that, they are yet to be served with the said Court order restraining them from holding rally in the state.
He said: “It’s a pleasure to address you this afternoon, especially regarding our preparations for the inauguration of the Bayelsa State Chapter of The NEW Associates. This grassroots political movement is committed to rallying support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration. We strongly believe that President Tinubu’s success is intertwined with Nigeria’s success, and as citizens, we must support our leadership in achieving this vision.
“As a peaceful organization, we are dedicated to promoting peace, security, and the well-being of all Nigerians. Every single life, whether an Ijaw man or any other Nigerian, is precious and of utmost importance to us.
“In light of recent developments, you may recall that several Pro-Diri and Pro-Tambuwal groups have issued public notices expressing their intentions to hold solidarity rallies in support of their respective leaders, opting to do so on the same date and at the same venue we have chosen for our program.
“We are inclined to allow them the right and space to hold their events as scheduled, creating an atmosphere that will enable the entire country to witness their capacities and acceptance among the Ijaw people in Bayelsa State.
“As such, we will now hold our inauguration and mega rally on Saturday, 26th April 2025, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. This decision has been made in deference to notable leaders and fathers of the Ijaw nation who have, for various reasons, reached out to us to consider a shift in date.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Grand Patron, other patrons, matrons, leaders, associates, and the teeming members of The NEW Associates across the state for their unwavering support, encouragement, and solidarity during this time.
“We also extend our gratitude to the people of Bayelsa State and Ijaw nation for their interest and enthusiasm to be part of this mass movement aimed at the liberation of our land and empowerment of our people. We ask that we all keep the momentum going as we prepare even more efficiently for a successful outing on the new date.” He said.
