The high court sitting in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital, has restrained supporters of Nyesom Wike from holding a rally in the state pending the determination of a motion on notice.
The rally in honour of Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has been slated for April 12.
I.A Uzakah, the presiding judge, on Thursday, granted the ex parte application filed by Biriyai Dambo, Bayelsa attorney-general.
Respondents in the suit are George Turnah, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and convener of the New Associates group; Wike; Nigeria Police Force (NPF); inspector-general of police; and Bayelsa commissioner of police.
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“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 enrolled order reads.
The case was adjourned to April 11 for hearing.
The rally was billed to hold at the Tombia roundabout open field in Yenagoa.
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The planned march is “in solidarity and appreciation of President Bola Tinubu and Nyesom Wike for facilitation and appointment of notable sons and daughters of Bayelsa into positions of authority”.
Wike has been listed to attend the rally.
Reacting to the proposed rally, Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, said the event is likely to trigger violence in the state due to the political crisis in neighbouring Rivers.
Wike’s supporters had insisted that they would go ahead with the rally. However, supporters of Diri had organised a separate rally at the same location and on the same day.
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