New Associates Bow To Political Pressure, Shelve Pro-Wike Rally In Bayelsa
BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – Amid rising political tension and undercurrents, the much-anticipated pro-Nyesom Wike rally earlier scheduled for today, Saturday, 12th April in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, has been moved forward to 26th April 2025.
Organized by a group that calls itself “The NEW Associates”, the event is widely touted as a gathering of supporters and allies of immediate past Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Wike.
Insiders hinted that the last minute move was due to political pressure and difficulties encountered by organisers in mobilising people for the rally planned to honour Wike and also express thanks to President Bola Tinubu for appointing Bayelsa sons and daughters into various political positions in the country.
But officially, the rally’s Convener and Leader of the Bayelsa State Chapter of The NEW Associates, George Turnah, MON, told journalists in Yenagoa on Friday that the decision to shelve the event was made in deference to ongoing consultations with respected leaders of the Ijaw nation as well as in recognition of planned events by rival political interest groups scheduled for the same day and venue.
Announcing the change of date, Turnah said; “Several Pro-Diri and Pro-Tambuwal groups have announced solidarity rallies for the same date and location we had initially planned for our inauguration.
“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.”
Further describing The NEW Associates as a grassroots movement committed to mobilizing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Turnah said the group is all out for peaceful orientation and national unity focus.
He also said their support for President Tinubu is “a pathway to national progress”, adding; “We believe that President Tinubu’s success is Nigeria’s success,” he said. “Our movement is about development, peace, and empowerment—not division.”
While thanking stakeholders, patrons, and members of The NEW Associates for their continued support, the group Convener urged them to stay focused and fully mobilized ahead of the rescheduled date.
“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, 2025″.
However, Turnah, who is also the South South Zonal Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said if the supporters of any other politician decided to also fix their rally on the new date, The NEW Associates would have no option but go ahead with its programme as planned.
He also said despite being widely reported in the media, his group has not been served with any court order restraining them from holding a rally in the state.
On the postponed event, Turnah informed the media thus; “It’s a pleasure to address you this afternoon, especially regarding our preparations for the inauguration of the Bayelsa State Chapter of The New Associates.
“This grassroots political movement is committed to rallying support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration. We strongly believe that President Tinubu’s success is intertwined with Nigeria’s success, and as citizens, we must support our leadership in achieving this vision.
“As a peaceful organisation, we are dedicated to promoting peace, security, and the well-being of all Nigerians. Every single life, whether an Ijaw man or any other Nigerian, is precious and of utmost importance to us.
“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 programme.
“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.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Grand Patron, other patrons, matrons, leaders, associates, and the teeming members of The New Associates across the state for their unwavering support, encouragement, and solidarity during this time.
“We also extend our gratitude to the people of Bayelsa State and Ijaw nation for their interest and enthusiasm to be part of this mass movement aimed at the liberation of our land and empowerment of our people. We ask that we all keep the momentum going.”
Interestingly, The NEW Associates have been in the public eyes in recent weeks with its growing activities in the South-South region a commentators consider it part of the political forces realigning ahead of the 2027 general elections and canvassing a second tenure for President Tinubu.
