Organizers of the pro-Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike rally in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital have insisted on proceeding with the rally slated for April 26, 2025.
Coordinator of The New Associates promoting the rally, Alabo George Turnah said the event is to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for appointing illustrious Ijaw sons and daughters into critical positions in his administration.
Turnah, who also serves as the zonal secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South and the current acting chairman of the PDP in Bayelsa State, said this during a meeting with members of the New Associates on Friday.
Turnah in a statement by his media assistant, Kevin Egbo, emphasised the importance of political alignment, noting that leadership and followership are essential ingredients in the political space.
He stressed that the outcomes of elections are a collective reflection of party efforts, not individual aspirations.
Turnah described the New Associates as more than just a political group, but a movement grounded in ideology and values.
“The New Associates is a political family under the leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
“Everyone has the right to make a choice. Just like salvation, political decisions are personal. And I take full responsibility for the choices I’ve made, in 2019, 2023, and beyond, without regrets,” Turnah said.
He expressed firm belief in the political philosophy of Wike, describing it as a school of thought driven by vision, inclusion, and youth development.
“Wike is a man with foresight. The young leaders he discovered between 2011 and 2015 are now shaping the political landscape of Rivers State. That’s leadership with vision and a large heart.
“The New Associates is a national platform that welcomes all well-meaning Nigerians, whether PDP, APC, or others. The goal is continuity and consolidation of governance, particularly under the current Southern presidency, which is yet to complete its first term. We must resist divisive rhetoric disguised as coalitions,” he added.
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Turnah used the platform to commend President Tinubu’s administration for appointing several Ijaw sons and daughters into strategic national roles.
Addressing concerns about possible disruptions, Turnah assured that the event will be orderly and security-conscious.
“We’ve cooperated fully with security agencies. Our mobilization strategy is structured. We’ve narrowed down to specific groups, local governments, and associations. Every participant can be traced to the person who mobilized them,” he explained.
He warned against any sponsored infiltration, stating that anyone causing disruption would be identified and held accountable.
“If anyone creates chaos, claiming to be part of us, we will know they’re from the other side. And whatever they do to us that day, we will return in kind, until they leave office. The only thing we will not disrupt are state functions.”
Turnah also took the opportunity to address recent uproar concerning comments attributed to Wike, clarifying that they were misunderstood.
“Wike has always acted in the best interest of the South-South and the Ijaw nation. The average Bayelsan, however, is tired of chasing after selfish politicians with no long-term vision,” he said.
