Tensions are rising between Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike over a proposed mega rally by the latter’s supporters in Bayelsa.
Governor Diri voiced concerns about security risks, warning that the state government would not tolerate actions that might disturb public order. “We will not condone any act that could disrupt the state’s peace,” Diri emphasized on Thursday.
In response, Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, dismissed Diri’s security alarms as unfounded, stating, “It is surprising that a governor had to call the state’s Security Council over a suspicion of people planning a rally for Wike.”
Olayinka went on to assert that it was within the rights of Nigerians to hold lawful rallies, adding, “If Wike wanted to attend any political rally in Bayelsa or anywhere, he would inform security agencies.”
This dispute comes amid broader political tensions, as Wike and Diri are both members of the opposition PDP, despite Wike’s support for President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC.