From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The NEW Associates, a pro-Tinubu political group, has called for a thorough probe into the shooting incident that disrupted its mega rally in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on April 26.
The Bayelsa State government, which also demanded an investigation, has clashed with the group’s leadership over the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Ebilade Ekerefe, secretary of the NEW Associates, praised security forces for repelling the gunmen, stating their actions prevented the rally’s disruption.
“The Bayelsa State Chapter of NEW Associates recognises and expresses heartfelt gratitude to the officers and personnel of the Nigerian Police, the Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Security, the Nigerian Army, the Navy, and the Air Force for their bravery and professionalism,” he said.
“Their swift actions were pivotal in thwarting attempts by armed groups, aligned with anti-Tinubu and Wike forces, to disrupt the inauguration of the NEW Associates structure and the mega rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, held on 26th April 2025.”
Ekerefe singled out CSP Chris Nwaogbo, Commander of Operation Restore Peace (Puff Adder), and his team at the Bayelsa State Police Command for their exceptional efforts. “We salute the bravery of the various security agencies who went into the bush to confront and dispel the hired armed invaders, thwarting the plans of their sponsors, which were clearly aimed at preventing the event from holding,” he added.
Ekerefe criticised the Senator Douye Diri administration for failing to address threats by its supporters against the rally, noting that the event was rescheduled from 12 April to 26 April due to earlier threats from pro-Diri groups.
“We call on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to unmask the perpetrators and sponsors of this heinous act of shooting at innocent citizens who had gathered peacefully to support the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said.