The High Court of Bayelsa State, sitting in Yenagoa, on Thursday, issued an interim injunction restraining political associates of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from going ahead with a proposed mega rally in the state.
The court’s decision comes ahead of the scheduled rally, which was to take place on April 12, 2025, in the state capital, Yenagoa.
The ruling was delivered by Hon. Justice I.A. Uzakah, who granted the order following a Motion Ex-Parte brought before the court in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/133/2025. The suit was filed by the Bayelsa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), on behalf of the state government.
In the suit, the lead convener of the NEW Associates, Mr. George Turnah, and Minister Nyesom Wike were named as the first and second defendants, respectively. Also joined in the suit were the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command.
The NEW Associates are reportedly planning the rally in honour of Wike, a move that has generated political tension in the state, especially among members of the ruling party.
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The enrolled order of the court stated:
“An order of interim injunction is hereby 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, organising, participating in, holding, hosting, or facilitating any political assembly, rally, meeting, or gathering within Bayelsa State for the purpose of solidarity, hosting, or celebrating the 2nd Defendant in Bayelsa State, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”
The court noted that the injunction was necessary to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order and to maintain public peace, considering the politically sensitive nature of the rally.
The matter has been adjourned to April 11, 2025, for hearing of the Motion on Notice. The ruling is expected to set the tone for how political gatherings with potential security implications will be handled in the state moving forward.
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