Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, says his administration is not against anyone holding rallies in the state.
On March 27, the governor alleged that a planned “mega rally” by a group loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of federal capital territory (FCT), could ignite a crisis in the state.
Diri, who spoke on Wednesday during the state executive council meeting in Yenagoa, the state capital, said holding a rally in Bayelsa would be counterproductive at a time lasting peace is being sought in Rivers state.
“Let me make this clear. We are not a government that goes against the rule of law,” Diri said.
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“We cherish and protect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And in so doing, we abide by every bit of the constitution.
“A state of emergency has been imposed in Rivers state. President Bola Tinubu has the power to do so. All we can do from our end is to see how we can bring lasting peace to Rivers state.”
The governor noted that his administration would always respect the fundamental human rights of every citizen, adding that anyone who wishes to hold a rally must inform the state government.
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Diri urged the people of the state to work with his government to maintain law and order.
“Bayelsa and Rivers are sister states, and whatever happens there has some degree of effect on our state and vice versa,” the governor added.
“And then some persons say they want to hold a mega rally and all that here. We are not yet in a political season.
“I am not stopping anybody from exercising his fundamental human rights, but as the chief security officer of the state and with information at my disposal, we must keep the peace of the state.”
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