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Lead convener of the pro-Wike rally in Bayelsa State, Barr George Turnah, has postponed the inauguration of the state chapter of the NEW Associates, a grassroots political movement to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu and honour FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike.
Addressing a press conference on Friday in Yenagoa, Turnah, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced a new date of April 26 for the rally explaining that even some notable Bayelsans had impressed on him to shift the earlier date to avert loss of lives.
He explained that another reason the rally was postponed was because pro-Diri and pro-Tambuwal groups had also planned rallies for the same venue and time of the pro-Wike rally.
In justifying his support for President Tinubu, he stated that the success of the president was intertwined with the success of Nigeria and thanked the leaders, members and supporters of the NEW Associates for their solidarity and steadfastness.
He said: “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 the 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.”
Later, while fielding questions from journalists, Turnah affirmed he remained the South South Zonal Secretary of the PDP and that he was yet to receive court summons in the cases initiated by the Bayelsa State Working Committee of the party.
He also questioned how a lower organ of the party could suspend a higher officer referencing his suspension by the Bayelsa State Working Committee in the light of a recent judgment of a Federal High Court.
Turnah assured that as a lawyer he would follow the laid down legal procedures to defend himself in court if he was appropriately served.
His words: “Let me also use this medium to address the issue that Bayelsa State Hight Court has affirmed my suspension. It is proper to make it clear that no court can suspend a member of a party. But court can look at suspension of members of it proper.
“All Nigerians know that the South South Zonal Committee has set aside my suspension. That means the suspension never existed in the first place. So the suspension has been set aside and why I will not border myself to challenge that judgement is because those in authority are the ones that activated the court to say that a lower organ can suspend higher authorities.
“So let become a law that Bayelsa State said that lower organs can suspend higher officers of the party.”