The Bayelsa State Government has voiced its concern over a shooting incident that occurred during a political rally on Saturday, organized by the New Associates, a group reportedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.Gunmen, believed to be political thugs, disrupted the rally and inauguration of the New Associates group, which took place at the Church of God Mission Camp in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
In a statement following the incident, Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary of New Associates and former spokesman for the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), accused the state government of attempting to undermine their peaceful rally.
He emphasized that the event was intended to express gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing individuals from the state to important roles within his administration, questioning why anyone would feel threatened by a peaceful gathering.In response, the Bayelsa State government, through a statement by Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Mrs. Obiuwou Koku-Obiyai, urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and local police authorities to investigate the incident. The government expressed suspicion that the shooting was planned, noting that the organizers had previously indicated that “the good, the bad, and the ugly” would attend the event.
The statement raised concerns over how a gathering expected to be peaceful turned violent, resulting in injuries to some attendees.
The government called on law enforcement to swiftly investigate the matter and hold those responsible accountable.Additionally, the government highlighted that the event violated political activity guidelines established by the Electoral Act and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), especially as it took place on the grounds of a religious organization. It cautioned political groups against involving religious institutions in activities that could undermine the sanctity of places of worship.Meanwhile, George Turnah, the convener of New Associates, has urged Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to publicly endorse Tinubu for the upcoming 2027 presidential election, citing that Diri has benefited significantly from Tinubu’s administration. Speaking during the group’s inauguration at the Church of God Mission Camp, Turnah stated that Diri should express gratitude by aligning with the Renewed Hope administration, asserting that if the governor supports Tinubu, his supporters would rally behind him. However, he warned that should Diri align with a different faction, they are prepared to work with Minister Nyesom Wike, a dedicated supporter of the President.
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