The NEW Associates, a grassroots support group for President Bola Tinubu in Bayelsa State and Pro-Wike Group has denied involvement in clashes with the Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Ogbara.l, arising from circulating viral video that one of its ward coordinators was involved in a physical altercation with the lawmaker.
In a statement clarifying the situation, the lead convener, George Turnah, and co-convener, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, explained that the individual involved in the confrontation with Hon. Ogbara was Pastor Williams Olalaoni, not Pastor Kelvin Loveday-Egbo, the Ward 8 coordinator of the NEW Associates.
The group condemned the actions of Hon. Ogbara, describing the incident as disgraceful, especially considering his role as a representative meant to protect and uphold the welfare of his constituents. According to the statement, the altercation, which occurred between Ogbara and Pastor Olalaoni, resulted in a physical confrontation, a situation the group strongly disapproved of.
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Turnah and Ekerefe made it clear that while both Pastor Olalaoni and Pastor Loveday-Egbo hail from the Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area, no member of the NEW Associates would engage in any untoward activities. They emphasized that the group’s members are known for their integrity, strong character, and high moral standards, and would never involve themselves in such shameful acts, no matter the provocation.
“For clarity, the gentleman engaged in the altercation with the Chief Whip is Pastor Williams Olalaoni, while the Ogbia Ward 8 coordinator of The NEW Associates is Pastor Kelvin Loveday-Egbo,” the statement read. “This clarification is necessary due to the concerns raised by the trending video, particularly within the NEW Associates family in Bayelsa State.”
They said the group’s statement aimed to clear up any confusion caused by the viral video and reaffirm the commitment of the NEW Associates to maintaining decorum and peace in the political landscape of Bayelsa State.
