Amidst rising political tension in Bayelsa State, a High Court in Yenagoa has issued an injunction preventing a planned mega rally in support of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The court, presided over by Justice I.A. Uzakah, granted an ex-parte motion on Thursday, effectively halting the rally scheduled for April 12th in Yenagoa. The motion was filed by the Bayelsa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo SAN.
The lawsuit named the rally organizers, NEW Associates, and their representative, Mr. George Turnah, along with Minister Wike himself, as defendants. The Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Bayelsa State Police Commissioner were also included.
The 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 is now scheduled for further hearing on April 11th, 2025. The court’s decision has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a move to prevent potential unrest, while others see it as an attempt to stifle political expression in the state.
