The High Court sitting in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital, has restrained associates of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, from holding a mega rally in the state, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

The rally in honour of Wike is scheduled for Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on April 12, 2025.

Hon. Justice I. A. Uzakah granted the Motion Ex-Parte in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/133/2025 on Thursday, in a suit filed by the state’s Attorney General, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN.

Listed as first and second defendants/respondents in the suit are the lead convener of the NEW Associates, organisers of the rally, Mr. George Turnah, and the FCT Minister, Wike.

The other defendants are the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Police Command.

The enrolled court order states that: “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 matter was adjourned to April 11, 2025, for hearing.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the organizers of the pro-Wike rally, during the week, engaged in disagreement over the proposed rally.

While the governor is against the rally, citing security concerns, Wike’s supporters insisted on holding it, stating that security agencies had been notified.