The NEW Associates canceled their Saturday political gathering in Yenagoa. They moved it to April 26 instead. George Turnah told reporters they changed plans after talking with Ijaw leaders. Other political groups wanted to use the same place that day. The court already blocked Wike supporters from holding events last week.
Turnah runs the Bayelsa chapter of NEW Associates, which many see as backing Minister Wike. He explained they stepped back because pro-Diri groups scheduled rallies at their location. The organization decided to avoid creating tension between rival supporters. They asked their members to stay ready for the new date later this month. Political watchers expected the original event would draw large crowds.
The timing matters because politics has heated up across Bayelsa recently. The state high court previously stopped people connected to the FCT Minister from organizing. Turnah described his group as peaceful during his press talk yesterday. He said they want everyone to express themselves without problems. The postponement gives them two weeks for tensions to cool down before they hold their event.
Turnah runs the Bayelsa chapter of NEW Associates, which many see as backing Minister Wike. He explained they stepped back because pro-Diri groups scheduled rallies at their location. The organization decided to avoid creating tension between rival supporters. They asked their members to stay ready for the new date later this month. Political watchers expected the original event would draw large crowds.
The timing matters because politics has heated up across Bayelsa recently. The state high court previously stopped people connected to the FCT Minister from organizing. Turnah described his group as peaceful during his press talk yesterday. He said they want everyone to express themselves without problems. The postponement gives them two weeks for tensions to cool down before they hold their event.
