In an apparent reaction to the alarm raised by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State regarding a rally to show solidarity with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, the outspoken former Rivers State Governor has berated the number one Bayelsa State Citizen for raising an unnecessary alarm.
Making his feelings known in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister described Diri’s alarm as “shamefully baseless.”
Wike made it clear that he had plans to attend a rally in Bayelsa, he would personally inform security agencies.
“It is so unfortunate that a Governor with all the security apparatus available to him could go on national television on mere suspicion of people planning a rally, which is their right to hold,” the statement pointed out.
He stressed that Nigerians have the right to support anyone, anywhere, and at any time. “Is this how much the governor is afraid of Wike? Can the governor stop people from holding rallies in the state if they want to?” he asked.
The Former Rivers State Governor also ridiculed Governor Diri for calling a Security Council meeting and consulting the Bayelsa Elders Council over what he described as mere speculation.
“Is this how childish governance in Bayelsa State has become? Must he use Wike as a cover-up for his failure in governance and politics?” the statement questioned.
Governor Diri had earlier raised concerns over the planned rally and the inauguration of a group loyal to Wike, warning that such a gathering could trigger tensions and lead to a crisis in the state.
The Governor argued that holding such an event amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State could escalate ethnic tensions and spread unrest to Bayelsa.
Diri also referred to Wike’s previous remarks about putting fire in PDP-governed states.
He said, “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.”
