With Saturday fast approaching, Ijaw Youths in the Niger Delta region have come out strong to defend their only homogeneous Ijaw state, Bayelsa, from external infiltration and invasion.
This comes as the organizer of the Yenagoa rally, George Turnah, has raised alarm over a threat to his life following his decision to forge ahead with the mega rally in support of President Bola Tinubu scheduled for April 12 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.
region as well as the appointment of notable sons and daughters of Bayelsa State into positions of trust in the federation.
Turnah, a former Executive Assistant on Public Affairs & Social Orientation to Bayelsa governor said because of the rally, Diri had publicly called him out during a State Security Council and Bayelsa Elders Forum meeting labelling him an enemy of Bayelsa State and Ijaw nation for proposing a rally to honour Mr President and the FCT Minister on Ijaw soil.
He noted that to clarify the purpose of the rally, he had addressed a press conference to clarify issues while affirming his commitment to support President Tinubu’s vision for Bayelsa State and the Ijaw nation.
Turnah stated that despite his clarification, the threats to his life have increased because of the redirection of his loyalty to Wike and the plan to organise the rally.
The letter read, in part, I have faced threats to my life from loyalists of Governor Douye Diri. A supporter of the governor, Jonah Paebi, had openly boasted in a Facebook post that my actions were ‘’a death trap.’’ This is a clear indication of an assassination plot by the Diri administration, especially since the administration has not condemned such a good statement by a supporter.
‘’Since this threatening event, my family and I have moved out of our home in Yenagoa and are currently taking refuge in an undisclosed hotel. We do not have the financial capacity to sustain this lifestyle or afford the services of security guards. The situation is taking a toll on the mental health of my wife and children. Therefore, I urgently appeal for your intervention and protection for myself and family.
‘’Given the current political climate and increasing tension within our party dynamics, I respectfully urge you to take appropriate measures to ensure my safety and the safety of those who stand with me. It is of utmost importance that leaders can express their beliefs without the fear of intimidation and violence’’
