On Saturday, a pro-Wike rally and the inauguration of the NEW Associates group in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, were disrupted by suspected political thugs. The event, organized by supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, aimed to thank President Bola Tinubu for appointing Bayelsan sons and daughters to positions and to declare support for Wike, the group's grand patron. The rally, initially scheduled for April 12, was moved to April 26 after Governor Douye Diri's supporters planned their rally on the same date and venue, leading to both groups shifting their events.

NEW Associates' supporters had gathered at the Church of God Mission Camp arena when gunmen emerged, firing shots. Attendees fled, but security personnel, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and DSS, engaged the assailants, who retreated. Security forces then searched the surrounding area to prevent further attacks.

Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary of NEW Associates and former spokesman of Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), accused the state government of attempting to disrupt their peaceful rally but vowed to proceed. He questioned why a peaceful rally to appreciate President Tinubu's appointments would be perceived as a threat. Similarly, Dr. Pabara Igwele, former Commissioner of Health in Bayelsa State, characterized the rally as peaceful and attributed the disruption to political motives. Supporters have since regrouped to continue the rally.

Tension gripped Yenagoa due to the gunshots at the NEW Associates mega rally, which was coordinated by George Turnah, a PDP stalwart. Despite the disruption, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe affirmed that the rally would continue, and supporters have indeed reconvened.

Prior to the event, the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa had ordered a restraint on the rally pending a hearing, following a motion filed by Bayelsa State Attorney General Biriyai Dambo against Wike, George Turnah, the Nigerian Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police. The court adjourned the matter to April 11. The rally occurred amid a state of emergency declaration in Rivers state, where Wike previously served as governor, a decision that faced condemnation from figures including Bayelsa's Governor Douye Diri.

Reports indicate that the rally was disrupted by gunshots, causing initial panic, but normalcy was quickly restored, and the event continued. The incident has raised concerns about political tensions in the region.