Wike’s Ally Clashes With Governor Diri Over Inauguration Of Pro-Tinubu Movement In Bayelsa
Mr George Turnah, a loyalist of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Capital Territory disclosed this during a press briefing in Yenagoa on Friday, April 11, 2025.
The Bayelsa State Chapter of The New Associates, a grassroots political movement supporting President Bola Tinubu, has been postponed following a row between the organisers and Governor Douye Diri.
The rally will birth the official launching of “NEW Associates,” a grassroots pro-Tinubu movement, slated for April 12 but now moved 26th of April.
Mr George Turnah, a loyalist of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Capital Territory disclosed this during a press briefing in Yenagoa on Friday, April 11, 2025.
Early this week, Turnah who is also the South-South Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had alleged an assassination plot targeting him and his family — allegedly orchestrated by supporters of Governor Diri.
Turnah explained that the decision to shift the date was taken out of respect for notable Ijaw leaders and elders who appealed for reconsideration, citing the convergence of multiple political gatherings on the original date and venue.
“In light of recent developments, several Pro Diri and Pro Tambuwal groups issued public notices expressing their intentions to hold solidarity rallies on the same date and venue as ours. In deference to peace, order, and the requests of respected Ijaw leaders, we have decided to reschedule our program,” he stated.
Turnah emphasised that The NEW Associates remains a peaceful organisation, deeply committed to national unity, peace, security, and the welfare of every Nigerian.
“We believe that the success of President Tinubu’s administration is directly tied to Nigeria’s success. Therefore, we see it as our civic duty to support the Renewed Hope agenda, while also upholding the sanctity of every Nigerian life, Ijaw or otherwise,” he noted.
Meanwhile, a Bayelsa State High Court in a judgement delivered on 10th of April, 2025 in Suit No: SUIT NO: BYHC/YHC/CV/73/2025 between Hon. Solomon Agwanana & Ors v George Turnah & Anor had upheld the suspension of Alabh George Turnah as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party Bayelsa State Chapter by the State Working Committee.
The Court held that by the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party, the State Working Committee has the power to suspend Mr. George Turnah.
But while fielding questions from journalists, Turnah affirmed he remained the South-South Zonal Secretary of the PDP and that he was yet to receive court summons in the cases initiated by the Bayelsa State Working Committee of the party.
He also questioned how a lower organ of the party could suspend a higher officer referencing his suspension by the Bayelsa State Working Committee in the light of a recent judgment of a Federal High Court.
Turnah had assured that as a lawyer, he would follow the laid down legal procedures to defend himself in court if he was appropriately served.
He said, “Let me also use this medium to address the issue that Bayelsa State High Court has affirmed my suspension. It is proper to make it clear that no court can suspend a member of a party. But the court can look at the suspension of members of it properly.
“All Nigerians know that the South-South Zonal Committee has set aside my suspension. That means the suspension never existed in the first place. So the suspension has been set aside and why I will not border myself to challenge that judgement is because those in authority are the ones that activated the court to say that a lower organ can suspend higher authorities.
“So let become a law that Bayelsa State said that lower organs can suspend higher officers of the party.”
