A Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa has issued an order stopping a planned rally in support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The ruling, delivered by Justice I.A. Uzakah, prevents the event from taking place until the court hears and decides on the motion filed by the state government.
The rally, which was scheduled for April 12, 2025, in Yenagoa, was organized by a group known as NEW Associates, with Mr. George Turnah and Minister Wike named as key figures behind it. The court order was granted following a suit filed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Bayelsa State, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN).
According to court documents, the case, registered as Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/133/2025, also includes the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police as defendants. The state government sought legal action to prevent the rally, citing concerns over public order and political tensions.
The court’s ruling, which serves as a temporary measure, specifically restrains the organizers and their associates from holding any gathering in Bayelsa State that is aimed at showing solidarity with Wike. The court order states:
“An order of the interim injunction is hereby made or granted restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants, whether by themselves, their agents, associates, privies, representatives (or any person whatsoever acting at their behest), from conducting, convening, coordinating, engaging in, organizing, participating in, holding, hosting, or facilitating any political assembly, rally meeting, or gathering within Bayelsa State, for the purpose of solidarity, hosting, and celebrating the 2nd Defendant in Bayelsa State, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”
The lawsuit reflects growing political tensions in Bayelsa State, with reports suggesting that the planned rally had sparked concerns among state officials. The involvement of security agencies in the case indicates that law enforcement is closely monitoring the situation.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 11, 2025, a day before the planned rally was set to take place.
