There is palpable tension building up in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State’s capital, as rival political camps prepare for separate rallies at the same venue on April 12.
The rallies are organized by supporters of Governor Douye Diri and those backing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The pro-Wike rally, spearheaded by one George Turnah, aims to inaugurate a political group known as ‘The New Associates, Bayelsa chapter. Despite Governor Diri’s warning that the event could incite violence, Turnah has insisted the rally will proceed as planned.
In reaction, Diri’s supporters under the aegis of ‘Izon Keme-Ama Assembly’ have recently announced their own rally at the same venue, on the same date and time.
Titled as the ‘Assured Prosperity Rally in Appreciation of His Excellency Senator Douye Diri’s unprecedented achievements in Bayelsa State, the event is also expected to draw dignitaries.
Tony Nathan Ile, the convener of the pro-Diri rally, has called on all Izon sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, to attend the gathering.
Governor Diri recently met with Bayelsa elders and security chiefs, cautioning that the planned pro-Wike rally could further inflame political tensions, particularly given the ongoing crisis in neighbouring Rivers State. The crisis, allegedly linked to Wike, led to a state of emergency declaration in Rivers.
The police are yet to comment on the development.
