The Bayelsa State Coordinator of the New Associates, a political group aligned with the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, George Turner has raised alarm over a threat to his life following his decision to forge ahead with a mega rally in support of President Bola Tinubu and the FCT minister scheduled for April 12 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.
Turnah, in a letter titled: ‘My Life And That of My Family in Grave Danger, We Need Protection’ addressed to President Bola Tinubu said his safety and well-being are currently being endangered following his ideological difference with Governor Diri over Diri ‘s involvement in the plot to form a coalition political party ahead of 2027 elections.
He insisted that it is crucial for the Southern part of Nigeria to be allowed a full term of the Presidency as was the case with President Muhammadu Buhari,
According to him, in line with his new political alignment with Wike, The NEW Associates, the grassroots based pro- Tinubu group have scheduled the inauguration of the Bayelsa State chapter on April 12 along with a mega rally in solidarity and appreciation of President Tinubu developmental strides in Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region as well as the appointment of notable sons and daughters of Bayelsa State into positions of trust in the federation.
Turnah who previously served as Executive Assistant on Public Affairs & Social Orientation to Bayelsa governor said because of the rally, Diri had publicly called him out during a State Security Council and Bayelsa Elders Forum meeting labelling him an enemy of Bayelsa State and Ijaw nation for proposing a rally to honour Mr President and the FCT Minister on Ijaw soil.
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He noted that to clarify the purpose of the rally, he had addressed a press conference to clarify issues while affirming his commitment to support President Tinubu’s vision for Bayelsa State and the Ijaw nation.
Turnah stated that despite his clarification, the threats to his life have increased because of the redirection of his loyalty to Wike and the plan to organise the rally.
The letter read, in part, I have faced threats to my life from loyalists of Governor Douye Diri. A supporter of the governor, Jonah Paebi, had openly boasted in a Facebook post that my actions were ‘’a death trap.’’ This is a clear indication of an assassination plot by the Diri administration, especially since the administration has not condemned such a good statement by a supporter.
‘’Since this threatening event, my family and I have moved out of our home in Yenagoa and are currently taking refuge in an undisclosed hotel. We do not have the financial capacity to sustain this lifestyle or afford the services of security guards. The situation is taking a toll on the mental health of my wife and children. Therefore, I urgently appeal for your intervention and protection for myself and family.
‘’Given the current political climate and increasing tension within our party dynamics, I respectfully urge you to take appropriate measures to ensure my safety and the safety of those who stand with me. It is of utmost importance that leaders can express their beliefs without the fear of intimidation and violence’’
