Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – A High Court in Yenagoa has issued a restraining order preventing supporters of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from holding a rally in the state. The order remains in effect until a motion on notice is determined.

Justice I.A. Uzakah, the presiding judge, granted the ex parte application on Thursday, filed by Biriyai Dambo, the Attorney-General of Bayelsa State. The respondents in the suit include George Turnah, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and convener of the New Associates group; Nyesom Wike himself; the Nigeria Police Force (NPF); the Inspector-General of Police; and the Bayelsa Commissioner of Police.

The enrolled order explicitly states: “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, organizing, 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 court has adjourned the case to April 11 for a hearing on the matter.

The rally, which was scheduled to take place at the Tombia roundabout open field in Yenagoa on April 12, was purportedly organized “in solidarity and appreciation of President Bola Tinubu and Nyesom Wike for facilitation and appointment of notable sons and daughters of Bayelsa into positions of authority.” Wike himself was expected to attend the event.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has voiced concerns regarding the planned rally, stating that it could potentially incite violence in the state, particularly given the existing political tensions in neighboring Rivers State. Reports indicated that while Wike’s supporters were determined to proceed with the rally, supporters of Governor Diri had also planned a separate rally at the same location on the same day, raising fears of potential clashes.