Categories: Politics

Gunfire Disrupt Rally Of Pro-Wike Supporters In Bayelsa

Tension ran high on Saturday when gunmen disrupted a rally held by supporters of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in Bayelsa State.

The rally had just started at Igbogene in Yenagoa when gunshots rang out from a nearby bush, sending attendees running for cover.

After the gunfire stopped, many of the participants returned to the venue, determined to continue despite the scare.

The rally, organized by a pro-Wike group called New Associates and led by PDP chieftain George Turnah, pressed on after the incident.

Top members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Bayelsa and other South-South states loyal to Wike were also present.

The gathering was meant to show support and appreciation for President Bola Tinubu and Nyesom Wike for helping appoint Bayelsa natives to key positions.

[irp]

Leading up to the event, Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri had warned that the rally could lead to violence.

However, Wike’s supporters brushed off his concerns and remained determined to hold the rally, which was originally planned for April 11 at the Tombia Roundabout in Yenagoa.

On April 3, a high court in Yenagoa issued an order stopping the rally after the state’s attorney-general, Biriyai Dambo, filed an ex parte motion.

In response, Diri’s supporters organized a separate rally for the same day and location, creating further tension.

To avoid conflict, Wike’s supporters later moved their rally to April 26.

KanyiDaily recalls that Nyesom Wike recently hosted a dinner in the UK for the suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

[irp]

Tobias Sylvester

Tobias Sylvester is the news editor for Kanyi Daily News and is based in Lagos. Contact Tobias at editor@kanyidaily.com. Got a confidential tip? Submit it here

Recent Posts

600 Niger State farmers to get interest-free loans

MINNA, Niger State, Nigeria — The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Niger State Government,…

10 hours ago

Licensed operators may take over seized Ogere plants

OGERE, Ogun State, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) plans to seek…

10 hours ago

Afreximbank targets $1 billion in deals at CANEX Lagos

LAGOS, Nigeria — The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is targeting at least $1 billion in…

2 days ago

Honeywell leads gainers as stocks shed ₦3.52 trillion

LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigerian equities lost ₦3.52 trillion in market value in the week ended…

2 days ago

NAHCO nine-month net profit rises 19.2%

LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) reported a 19.2% rise in net…

3 days ago

Edo signs deal with China Express for state airline

BENIN CITY, Nigeria — The Edo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with…

3 days ago