CurrentReport Blog The much-anticipated political rally organized by The NEW Associates, a group widely seen as aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been officially postponed to April 26, 2025. The event was initially slated for Saturday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
George Turnah, the convener and leader of the Bayelsa State Chapter of The NEW Associates, made the announcement during a press briefing on Friday. The postponement, according to Turnah, comes in response to ongoing consultations with respected Ijaw leaders and the scheduling of parallel rallies by rival political factions.
“Several pro-Diri and pro-Tambuwal groups have announced solidarity rallies for the same date and location we had initially planned for our inauguration,” Turnah explained. “As a peaceful and people-driven organization, we have decided to shift our event to allow these groups space to express themselves and to avoid any undue tension.”
The rally was expected to draw major political attention in Bayelsa, given the current friction among key political figures and camps, including those loyal to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
Turnah urged supporters to remain focused and committed, emphasizing that the change in date is strategic and in the interest of peace. “We urge our members and the good people of Bayelsa to keep the momentum alive as we work towards a successful and peaceful rally on April 26.”
This development comes just days after the Bayelsa State High Court issued a restraining order preventing Wike’s associates from proceeding with a previously planned mega rally in Yenagoa, a move that has further fueled speculation of a deepening political rift in the state.
