Wike’s Ally Writes Tinubu, Alleges Death Threats From Bayelsa Governor Diri’s Supporters
Turnah, a well-known Wike loyalist, also announced plans to launch the Bayelsa chapter of the “NEW Associates,” a grassroots pro-Tinubu movement, alongside a major rally slated for April 12.
Anew wave of political tension is brewing in Bayelsa State as George Turnah, South-South Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has alleged an assassination plot targeting him and his family—allegedly orchestrated by supporters of Governor Douye Diri.
In a letter dated April 7, 2025, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu through the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Turnah claimed his life is under threat due to a growing rift with Governor Douye Diri—an issue he links to his political alliance with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Turnah, a well-known Wike loyalist, also announced plans to launch the Bayelsa chapter of the “NEW Associates,” a grassroots pro-Tinubu movement, alongside a major rally slated for April 12.
Turnah accused Governor Diri of fueling hostility against him, citing comments allegedly made during recent meetings of the State Security and Elders Council, where he was reportedly branded “an enemy of the state and the Ijaw nation” for organising a rally in support of President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
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According to Turnah, Diri’s stance is linked to President Tinubu’s recent state of emergency declaration, which resulted in suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, an Ijaw man, in Rivers State.
“I am writing to bring to your urgent attention a serious matter concerning my safety and well-being following an ideological disagreement with Governor Diri,” Turnah said in the statement. “Since aligning with the FCT Minister, I have received threats to my life from the Governor’s loyalists.”
He specifically made reference to a Facebook post by one Jonah Paebi, a known supporter of the governor, who allegedly wrote that Turnah’s political move was a “death trap” and ominously warned the public to “watch how George Turnah will soon be a thing of the past.”
As a result of the alleged threats, Turnah disclosed that he and his family have fled their home and are currently living in hiding at an undisclosed hotel.
“The situation is also taking a toll on the mental health of my wife and children. Therefore, I urgently appeal for your intervention and protection for myself and my family,” he said.
“Given the current political climate and increasing tension within our party dynamics, I respectfully urge you to take appropriate measures to ensure my safety and the safety of those who stand with me. It is of utmost importance that leaders can express their beliefs without the fear of intimidation or violence,” he added.
This controversy adds another layer to Turnah’s complex public profile.
In 2022, he was convicted and sentenced to four years imprisonment by Justice A.T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on corruption charges related to his time as Special Assistant to the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dan Abia.
Turnah, however, paid a fine in lieu of serving the sentence.
Governor Diri’s camp has yet to issue an official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
