Bayelsa Court Halts Pro-Wike Rally Slated for April 12

The Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has issued an interim order restraining allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, from holding a planned political rally in the state capital.

The rally, organized by a political support group known as the NEW Associates, was scheduled to take place on April 12, 2025, in Yenagoa. However, in a ruling delivered on Thursday, Hon. Justice I.A. Uzakah granted an interim injunction in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/133/2025, following an Ex-Parte application filed by the Attorney General of Bayelsa State, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN.

The first and second defendants in the suit are the lead convener of the NEW Associates, Mr. George Turnah, and Chief Nyesom Wike. Also listed as respondents are the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police for Bayelsa State.

According to the enrolled court order, the defendants and their associates have been temporarily barred from "conducting, convening, coordinating, engaging in, organizing, participating in, holding, hosting, or facilitating any political assembly, rally, meeting, or gathering within Bayelsa State" that is aimed at expressing solidarity or hosting celebrations for the FCT Minister, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

The court adjourned the matter to April 11, 2025, for hearing.