A planned rally in Bayelsa State by the NEW Associates, a political group loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, has been thrown into disarray less than 24 hours before its scheduled commencement. Internal conflicts over alleged misappropriation of funds and a recent court ruling have sparked significant tensions within the group, casting doubt on whether the event will proceed as planned.
The NEW Associates, a relatively new political movement, has been plagued by infighting in recent days. According to sources within the group, the crisis intensified after members accused the group’s convener, Mr. George Turnah, of mishandling funds meant for mobilization and logistical support for the rally.
The dispute began on the group’s WhatsApp platform, where members reportedly clashed over financial disbursements. Several members expressed frustration with Turnah, accusing him of acting unilaterally and failing to account for funds received from various sources. They claimed that amounts initially agreed upon for activities were later reduced without explanation or consultation.
One aggrieved member lamented Turnah’s leadership style, saying he was operating like a “sole administrator” with no transparency or accountability. The member further alleged that Turnah failed to disclose the full amount of financial contributions made to support the rally, a move that has deepened mistrust among group members.
The situation escalated further when a former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rufus Abadi, publicly distanced himself from the group. Abadi, who had earlier appeared on national television to promote the rally, reportedly felt shortchanged by Turnah in the distribution of resources. In a message to the group’s WhatsApp platform, Abadi expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “It doesn’t work this way. Please forget about me. I don’t want to be used and dumped.”
On Wednesday, Turnah released a brief statement claiming that “moles” had infiltrated the group, prompting the commencement of a vetting process to weed them out. This move, sources said, was perceived as a direct attack on Abadi, who was labeled a mole, further straining relations within the organization.
There are also reports suggesting that Abadi initially joined the NEW Associates to settle personal political scores, particularly related to unresolved issues involving his property along the Tombia-Amassoma road in Yenagoa. The internal strife has brought to light deeper divisions within the group and cast doubt on its cohesion ahead of the high-profile event.
Adding to the group’s troubles, a Yenagoa High Court on Thursday upheld the suspension of George Turnah by the state working committee of the PDP. The court ruled that the committee had the authority, under the party’s constitution, to suspend Turnah and restrained him from parading himself as the party’s zonal secretary. This legal blow has further weakened Turnah’s position and complicated the already fragile preparations for the rally.
Meanwhile, logistical challenges have emerged as another hurdle. The original venue for the rally, the Tombia roundabout in Yenagoa, may no longer be available. The site, which is under the jurisdiction of the state government, has reportedly been declared off-limits by Governor Douye Diri. The governor had previously warned that no state-owned facility should be used for the rally, citing security concerns. Security agencies in the state are said to be on high alert, with reports suggesting that the rally venue may be cordoned off to prevent any unauthorized gatherings.
In response, the organisers are reportedly considering relocating the rally to Kolo, a community in Ogbia Local Government Area that is home to Turnah. However, this alternative may also prove difficult, as some residents of the area have expressed anger toward Turnah over what they describe as his betrayal of the community’s interests. There are indications that these individuals are mobilising efforts to disrupt any planned event in Kolo as well.
As of Friday evening, uncertainty looms over the fate of the rally. The combination of internal discord, legal setbacks, venue complications, and growing opposition within and outside the group has severely undermined the prospects of a successful event. With less than a day to go, there is growing speculation that the rally may either be scaled down significantly or cancelled altogether.
