Bayelsa government has directed police authorities to probe the shooting incident at a rally held by supporters of Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in Yenagoa on Saturday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the rally, held by New Associates, a pro-Wike political group led by PDP chieftain George Turnah, was disrupted shortly after it began when gunshots were heard from a nearby bush, causing panic among attendees. It however resumed minutes later.
In a statement on Sunday, Bayelsa’s Commissioner for Information, Obiuwou Koku-Obiyai, condemned the incident and urged police authorities to identify and arrest those responsible.
The government said the violence was not coincidental, claiming that the rally’s organisers had previously warned that “the good, the bad, and the ugly” would be present.
It criticised the use of a religious organisation’s campground for rally, noting that it violated political campaign guidelines under the Electoral Act and regulations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The government warned political groups against dragging religious institutions into partisan activities and threatened sanctions against any religious body that allows such breaches.
The statement reads, “While noting that the event negated guidelines for political activities as stipulated in the Electoral Act and by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the government observed that it was held on the campground of a religious organisation.”
“It warned political groups in the state not to drag religious organisations into their partisan activities that desecrate sacred places of worship.”
“It further stated that it would not hesitate to sanction any religious organisation that breaches the law.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining peace across the state and ensuring the security of lives and property of all residents.
Before the incident, Governor Douye Diri had warned that the rally could lead to violence. Wike’s supporters, however, dismissed the concerns and vowed to proceed.
A court order obtained by Bayelsa’s Attorney-General, Biriyai Dambo, on April 3 aldo restrained Wike’s supporters from holding the rally, initially planned for April 11 at Tombia Roundabout in Yenagoa.
To counter the move, Diri’s loyalists scheduled a counter rally at the same venue and date. To avoid clashes, Wike’s supporters rescheduled their event for Saturday, April 26.
