Supporters of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike in Bayelsa State have postponed the Pro-Tinubu rally and inauguration of the political group called ?New Associates' earlier billed for today, Saturday, April 12, in Yenagoa.

The rally which according t9 its organisers, was planned in support of the FCT Minister was also aimed at thanking President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for appointing Bayelsa sons and daughters into various political offices in the country.

The rally was earlier opposed by the state government with the State High Court restraining the hosting of such a rally in Bayelsa.

The supporters Gov. Douye Diri, of Bayelsa had also scheduled Pro-Diri rally at the same date, venue and time.

The conveners of Pro-Wike rally said their postponement of the earlier scheduled rally is to guide against any clash and bloodshed by the supporters of both politicians.

Speaking with newsmen on Friday in Yenagoa, the state capital, the lead convenor of the pro-Wike rally, George Turnah and members of his group, New Associates, said they decided to shift their own rally to April 26 to avoid any clash by the supporters of governor Diri.

Turnah, who is also the South South Zonal Secretary of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), stated that as a peaceful organization, who are dedicated to promoting peace, security, and the well-being of all Nigerians, they decided to shift the rally to avoid any loss of life.

He said that if the supporters of any other politician decided to also fix their own rally on the new date they have fixed, they would not have any other option than to go ahead with their rally.

Turnah explained that they are yet to be served with the said Court order restraining them from holding rallies in the state.

According to him: "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 Ahmed Bola 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 programme.

"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," he said.

According to him: "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.

"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.

"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.

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