Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has raised concerns over a planned mega rally and the inauguration of a group loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
He warned that such a gathering could create tension and lead to a crisis in the state.
Speaking in Yenagoa during separate meetings with the Bayelsa Elders Council and the state security council’s 37th session, Diri cautioned that the government would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the peace.
He urged security commanders, youths, elders, and traditional rulers to stay vigilant.
The governor warned that holding such an event amid the political crisis in Rivers State could escalate ethnic tensions and spread unrest to Bayelsa.
The crisis in Rivers can be linked to the ongoing conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, which has led to emergency measures, including the suspension of elected officials by President Bola Tinubu.
Diri pointed to the seriousness of the situation, recalling that Wike had “threatened to cause crisis in PDP-governed states.” He declared, “Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted. I urge security commanders in the state to be on the alert. Parents and traditional rulers should discourage their wards and children from being used by unscrupulous elements to cause trouble in the state.”
He further stated that Bayelsa’s reputation for peace should not be mistaken for weakness, warning that no faceless group would be allowed to create instability in the state.
As you are aware, we have threats from our sister state. The political crisis there is threatening us, and we will not allow what is happening there to come into Bayelsa State.
“We had in our party a renegade who has decided to form a parallel PDP in Bayelsa State, working with an ex-governor.
“The party in our state suspended him for gross misconduct, and for now, he is not a member of our party in Bayelsa State.
“He was a part of the kangaroo PDP South-South zonal congress that was rejected by the National Working Committee of our party, and he is threatening the peace of this state.
“This is not Rivers State. Bayelsa is the cradle of every Ijaw man. I have always said that being peaceful is not cowardice. We are very courageous, and we can stand up for the truth at all times.
“Every public facility owned by the Bayelsa State government cannot be used except with the express approval of the state government.”
Diri urged Bayelsa residents to remain peaceful, emphasizing that continued stability was essential for the state’s development.
