Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said while his administration respects citizens’ rights to hold rallies, it would be unwise and counterproductive to do so amid efforts to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State.

Speaking at the 158th State Executive Council meeting in the government house, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, Diri referenced the planned rally organised in Bayelsa State in support of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, by the South-South zonal secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), George Turnah.

The governor said while his government upholds the constitution and fundamental rights, it will not allow the state’s prevailing peace and security to be compromised.

“Bayelsa and Rivers are sister states, and whatever happens there affects us as well. We are not yet in a political season. While I will not stop anyone from exercising their rights, as the chief security officer of the state, I must ensure that peace and security are maintained. No one should disrupt the peace of this state,” Diri said.

He noted that proper protocols must be followed for such rallies, citing the example of the First Lady’s scheduled visit to the state on Thursday at the invitation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He urged the people of the state to turn out en masse to accord the First Lady a rousing reception.

Meanwhile, organisers of a pro-Diri rally, planned for the same date, time, and venue as the pro-Wike rally, claimed they had duly notified the police.

However, Wike’s supporters also insisted they had done the same earlier.

As of the time of filing this report, it remained unclear whether the police would approve both rallies at the same venue and time. (Daily Trust)