The recent security concerns raised by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa over a planned mega rally for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have been dismissed as baseless by Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media.
Governor Diri had on Thursday raised an alarm over an alleged plan by Wike’s supporters in Bayelsa to conduct a mega rally and inaugurate a support group. Expressing concern, Diri warned that the state government would not tolerate any action that could jeopardize the peace and stability of Bayelsa. He further urged security agencies, youth groups, elders, and traditional rulers to remain vigilant.
Reacting to the governor’s statement, Olayinka, in a release issued in Abuja on Friday, described the alarm as unfounded, stating that Nigerians have the right to express their support for anyone, anywhere, and at any time within the bounds of the law.
According to Olayinka, it was surprising that Governor Diri, who has access to all security apparatus in the state, would publicly raise concerns based on mere suspicions. He found it perplexing that the governor would convene the Bayelsa State Security Council and the Bayelsa Elders Council over a speculation regarding a rally.
Olayinka emphasized that the right to assembly is enshrined in the constitution, and holding a peaceful rally does not amount to a security threat. He added that if Minister Wike were to attend any political gathering in Bayelsa or any other state, he would duly inform security agencies as required by protocol.
“It is surprising that a governor had to call the state’s Security Council and Bayelsa Elders Council meetings to discuss a suspicion of people planning a rally for Wike,” Olayinka stated. He further advised Diri to focus on governance rather than raising unnecessary security alarms over political gatherings.
The statement from Olayinka highlights the ongoing political tensions in Bayelsa, where Wike’s influence continues to spark controversy. While Diri sees the planned rally as a potential threat to stability, Olayinka views it as an exercise of democratic rights.
The reaction from Wike’s camp suggests a deepening rift between political factions, particularly within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where both Diri and Wike hold significant sway. This latest episode further fuels speculation over political realignments and influence battles ahead of future elections.
Observers have noted that while security concerns in the Niger Delta region should not be dismissed outright, political actors must be careful not to stoke unnecessary panic. The right to freedom of assembly and political participation remains fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic process.
The coming days will reveal whether the mega rally will proceed as planned or whether further political maneuvers will take place behind the scenes. However, what remains clear is that the tension between Diri and Wike’s factions is unlikely to subside anytime soon.
As Bayelsa navigates these political waters, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether governance and security priorities will remain at the forefront amid the growing political drama.
