New Associates Shifts Pro Wike's Rally

 

A Pro Wike Rally due to take place Tommorow (Saturday 12th of April) has been postponed to the 26th day of April, 2025.

Speaking in Yenagoa at the weekend, George Turnah the  Lead Convener/Leader of the NEW Associates, Bayelsa State Chapter said that  the rally which is supposed to be organized by the New Associates, group had looked at the whole situation and decided to shift the rally to a latter date.

Recall that the New Associates had planned to hold a rally which they would have used to have their Inauguration but the group stepped down for that of Bayelsa State Governornmnet in the spirit of sportsmanship.

He said that the decision was reached because of the intervention of some notable Ijaw leaders who had beckoned on them to shift the rally to a new date so as to avoid clash with Pro Diri and Pro Tambuwal groups.

He said that the New Associates has decided to step down their rally maintaining that it will  be 

counter productive for other rallies to take place Tommorow.

He said:"As a peaceful organization, we are dedicated to promoting peace, security and the well-being of all Nigerians. Every single life, whether an Ijaw man or any other Nigerian, is precious and of utmost importance to us.

"In light of recent developments, you may recall that several Pro Diri and Pro Tambuwal groups have issued public notices expressing their intentions to hold solidarity rallies in support of their respective leaders, opting to do so on the same date and at the same venue we have chosen for our program. 

"We are inclined to allow them the right and space to hold their events as scheduled, creating an atmosphere that will enable the entire country to witness their capacities and acceptance among the Ijaw people in Bayelsa State.

"As such, we will now hold our inauguration and mega rally on Saturday, 26th April 2025, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. 

"This decision has been made in deference to notable leaders and fathers of the Ijaw nation who have, for various reasons, reached out to us to consider a shift in date. 

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Grand Patron, other patrons, matrons, leaders, associates, and the teeming members of The NEW Associates across the state for their unwavering support, encouragement, and solidarity during this time. 

"We also extend our gratitude to the people of Bayelsa State and Ijaw nation for their interest and enthusiasm to be part of this mass movement aimed at the liberation of our land and empowerment of our people. 

"We ask that we all keep the momentum going as we prepare even more efficiently for a successful outing on the new date. 

On the issue of Court Case, he said that he saw something that looks like a Court order flying around the social media. adding "as I speak, I have not been served any order of court  and I'm not aware of any order and the shifting of this rally has nothing to do with any court order.

 Turnah said that when he  receives any service of any court order, as a  lawyer, "we will know what to do.

But I doubt if there is any suit that has the new associates as a defendant anywhere.

He continued:"I'm yet to see any of such court process but again let me say that the judiciary is a very strong institution. And if you try to stiffen it it has a way of defending itself.

"How a governor chooses to ridicule his state judiciary is not my business . They tried it in Rivers State, how far now?

"If we had this sacrifice and we have decided to choose a new date  and tomorrow you wake up to see the same people  for which we have made this conseession for today  and they want to hold the same rally on the date that we have choose and our venue, you as a journalist, what will you report?

"It shows that some people are clearly out to look for trouble. So at that point we will proceed with our rally and whatever becomes the outcome, even you know who to hold to account.

"Let me also use this medium to address the issue that Bayelsa State Hight Court has affirmed my suspension. It is proper to make it clear that no court can suspend a member of a party. But court can look at suspension of members if it proper. 

"All Nigerians  should know that 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 it  become a law that Bayelsa State said that lower organs can suspend a higher  officers of the party." He concluded.