Ijaw leaders have persuaded the New Associates, a pro-President Bola Tinubu political group, to postpone its planned mega rally originally scheduled for Saturday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, in order to avert a potential crisis.
Addressing a press conference in Yenagoa, the lead convener and Bayelsa State leader of the New Associates, George Turnah, said the group decided to postpone the rally to honour the appeals of respected Ijaw leaders.
He announced that the rally has now been rescheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025.
“Our group is committed to peace, security, and the well-being of all Nigerians. Every life—whether Ijaw or from any other background—is precious,” Turnah said. “In light of recent developments and out of respect for our leaders, we have decided to shift the rally.”
He added that the decision was also made to give room for other groups to express their support for their respective leaders without conflict.
“You may recall that several Pro-Diri and Pro-Tambuwal groups issued public notices declaring their intention to hold solidarity rallies on the same day and venue as ours. In the interest of peace and mutual respect, we’ve chosen to yield that space and date,” he explained.
Turnah also commended the people of Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation for their enthusiasm toward the movement, describing the rally as a vehicle for unity and empowerment.
According to him, the mega rally is intended to mobilize support for President Tinubu, celebrate his developmental strides in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta, and appreciate his inclusion of prominent Bayelsans in his administration.
The event will also serve to inaugurate the Bayelsa State chapter of the New Associates and honour the group’s grand patron, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
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