Ijaw leaders have prevailed on the New Associates, a pro-President Bola Tinubu political group, to postpone its mega rally slated for this Saturday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, to forestall crisis.
Two other political groups, Pro-DouyeDiri and Pro-Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, have also fixed rallies for the same time and venue.
The build-up to the rallies had heightened tension in the state, prompting the Ijaw leaders and notable citizens of the state to intervene by appealing to the New Associates group to shelve its rally for this Saturday.
The lead convener and leader of the New Associates in Bayelsa, George Turnah, who disclosed this at a press conference addressed in Yenagoa on Friday, said his group was a peaceful organisation dedicated to promoting peace, security, and the well-being of all Nigerians.
He said, therefore, every single life, whether that of an Ijaw man or any other Nigerian, is precious and of utmost importance.
According to Turnah, the decision to shift the rally to Saturday, April 26, is in deference to notable leaders and fathers of Ijaw nation, who have for various reasons, reached out to them to consider a shift in date.
While commending FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and other leaders of the group for their support, he expressed happiness with the support and enthusiasm the group has attracted in Bayelsa State.
He said, “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.”
Turnah commended the people of Bayelsa State and Ijaw nation for their interest and enthusiasm to be part of the mass movement aimed at the liberation of our land and the empowerment of our people.
The mega rally aimed to drum up support and express solidarity with President Tinubu over developmental strides in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta and also thank him for appointing notable Bayelsans into his government.
It was also to be used as an avenue to inaugurate the Bayelsa State chapter of the group and appreciate its grand patron, Chief Nyesom Wike.
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