A scheduled April 12 rally in support of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Yenagoa, has been put on hold after a Bayelsa State High Court issued a restraining order against it.
It prohibited associates of the minister from holding a rally in the state, pending a hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Persecondnews reports that the court presided over by Justice I.A. Uzakah, granted the motion ex-parte on Thursday.
The lawsuit, filed by State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), named the NEW Associates, the rally’s organizers, Mr. George Turnah, and Wike as the first and second defendants/respondents, respectively.
Additionally, the suit listed the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and the State Commissioner of Police as further defendants in the case.
The enrolled court order states that: “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 court adjourned the case until April 11, 2025, for hearing.
Persecondnews recalls that Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri on April 3 said the state government will not permit the proposed pro-Wike rally, citing the need to protect the state’s peace and security, while still supporting the right to peaceful assembly.
Diri, during the 158th State Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa, said although his administration is not opposed to rallies in principle, it would be “unwise and counter-productive” to hold such an event at a time when peace efforts were underway to address the ongoing political crisis in neighbouring Rivers State, which shares close ties with Bayelsa.
“We are not a government that goes against the rule of law. We cherish and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“However, as the chief security officer of this state, I must ensure the peace of Bayelsa is not disturbed by any external influence. Rivers and Bayelsa are sister states, and the situation in one affects the other.
“Some people want to hold a mega rally here, but we are not yet in a political season. I am not stopping anyone from exercising their fundamental rights, but I must act in the best interest of our state.
“As the chief security officer, I have a duty to preserve peace, and we will not allow any activity that could destabilise our environment,” he said.
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