Pro-Tinubu, Wike Rally Held in Bayelsa Despite Gunmen Attack
Political Supporters Defy Disruption Attempt at Controversial Event
A political rally supporting President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike proceeded in Bayelsa State on Saturday despite an armed attack attempt by unidentified gunmen.
The event, organized by the NEW Associates political group at Church of God Mission Camp Ground in Igbogene, faced temporary disruption when armed men emerged from nearby bushes and opened fire.
Security Forces Repel Attackers
Eyewitness accounts from journalists at the scene confirm that security personnel, including police and SSS operatives, successfully repelled the attackers. Soldiers from Operation Delta Safe were later deployed to reinforce security.
“The rally wasn’t disrupted completely, just for a few minutes. They later regrouped,” one journalist told PREMIUM TIMES under condition of anonymity.
Several participants reportedly sustained injuries during the chaos and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Political Tensions Behind the Attack
The rally occurred despite Governor Douye Diri’s earlier ban, citing concerns about political tensions spilling over from neighboring Rivers State. Participants accused supporters of Bayelsa’s PDP-led government of orchestrating the attack.
Ebilade Ekerefe, secretary of NEW Associates, stated: “We are not here to cause trouble but to express our support and solidarity with the President.”
Bayelsa Government Responds
The state government has called for an investigation into the shooting incident. Commissioner for Information Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai noted the timing was suspicious given organizers’ prior warnings about potential disruptions.
Governor Diri’s spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, dismissed claims that the governor benefited from President Tinubu’s “magnanimity,” arguing that ensuring free elections shouldn’t be considered political favoritism.
Background of Political Rivalry
The event highlights ongoing political tensions between Wike and his successor in Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara. President Tinubu recently imposed emergency measures in Rivers State amid the escalating conflict.
All three politicians – Wike, Fubara, and Diri – are officially PDP members, though Wike currently serves in Tinubu’s APC-led administration.
Credit: Premium Times