Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa
Sporadic Shooting by gunmen, suspected to be sponsored political thugs, partially disrupted the rally and inauguration of the NEW Associates group on Saturday at Okolobiri raod, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The rally, organized by supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was held to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for appointing sons and daughters of the state into key government positions.
It was also aimed at declaring their support for Wike, who serves as the grand patron of the group.
The event, initially scheduled for April 12, had been postponed to April 26 after supporters of Governor Douye Diri fixed their own rally for the same date and venue.
Supporters of the NEW Associates had gathered at the venue as early as 8 a.m. and were already seated when gunmen suddenly emerged from the nearby creeks and bushes, firing sporadically into the air.
Panic ensued as attendees fled for safety. However, security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) quickly intervened, engaging the attackers and forcing them to retreat. Security forces also combed the surrounding area to prevent further assaults.
Speaking after the incident, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, secretary of NEW Associates and former spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), accused the Bayelsa State government of attempting to disrupt their peaceful rally. He vowed that the group would not be deterred.
“We organized this rally to appreciate President Tinubu for appointing our sons and daughters into positions of responsibility. Why should anyone feel threatened by a peaceful assembly?” Ekerefe said.
“How can someone attack law-abiding Nigerian citizens, particularly Ijaw youths, simply for gathering to express political solidarity? We are not here to cause trouble; we are here to show support for the President and Commander-in-Chief.”
Also speaking, the immediate past Commissioner for Health in Bayelsa State, Dr. Pabara Igwele, described the rally as peaceful and condemned the attempt to instill fear for political reasons. He assured that the rally would continue despite the earlier disruption.
As of the time of this report, the rally had resumed, with Wike’s supporters regrouping and proceeding with their program.
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