Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa
The NEW Associates group organized its inaugural rally at the Church of God Mission Camp, Igbogene, Okolobiri Road, Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.
The rally, organized by supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was held to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for appointing illustrious sons and daughters of Bayelsa State to key positions in the federal government. It was also aimed at declaring support for Wike.
Addressing the crowd, the leader of the NEW Associates group, George Turner, said:
“How can a leader not care about the welfare of his people? My house was vandalized by unknown individuals, and a venue prepared for a reception was also attacked.”
He urged governors to support President Tinubu against opposition from the North, emphasizing the need to build a strong foundation for leaders in power to deliver effectively.
“Nigeria must come first,” Turner said. “President Tinubu has maintained the East-West Road and appointed Bayelsans into the Ministry of Petroleum. When Sylva was there, nothing was done. The one man who made these possible is Wike.”
He further recommended Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the NDDC, and praised Prince Amgbare Ebitimi, who was among the founding members of the APC, as well as Preye Aganaba, recently appointed Secretary of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Tompolo, and Dr. Mrs. Walson Jack. He assured that the group would continue to support Wike.
Speaking on political appointments, Turner criticized some Bayelsa appointees, saying, “Here in Bayelsa, appointees are acting like ‘madam must go to market.’ The state government is one of the first direct beneficiaries of President Tinubu’s administration. Ungratefulness is a disease. I use this medium to call on Governor Diri to declare his stand ahead of 2027.”
Turner also announced plans for a program to empower 1,000 entrepreneurs in Bayelsa State, stressing that the initiative would be based on merit, with proposals invited from the public.
Notable personalities present at the rally included the immediate-past Commissioner for Health in Bayelsa State, Dr. Pabara Igwele; Elvis Doukemezuo; and Ebilatei Ekerefe.
