A high court sitting in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, has issued an interim order restraining supporters of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from holding a planned rally in his honour.
The rally, originally scheduled for April 12 at the Tombia Roundabout open field, has now been halted pending the determination of a motion on notice.
Justice I.A. Uzakah granted the ex parte application on Thursday, following a suit filed by Biriyai Dambo, Attorney-General of Bayelsa State. The respondents named in the suit include George Turnah, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and convener of the New Associates group; Nyesom Wike; the Nigeria Police Force; the Inspector-General of Police; and the Bayelsa Commissioner of Police.
The enrolled order reads: “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, organising, 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 rally, tagged as an event to show appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Wike for facilitating appointments of Bayelsa indigenes into federal positions, has been widely publicised with Wike expected to attend in person.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa raised concerns earlier about the event, warning that it could incite violence, especially in light of the ongoing political crisis in neighbouring Rivers State. His supporters also planned a counter-rally at the same venue and on the same date, further escalating tensions.
Despite the growing controversy, Wike’s supporters had initially vowed to proceed with the event. The court has now adjourned the matter to April 11 for hearing on the motion for interlocutory injunction.
Follow us on:
