Bayelsa accuses Wike’s supporters of Electoral Act breach over rally at ‘religious campground’

The Bayelsa government has directed police authorities to probe the shooting incident at a rally held by loyalists of Nyesom Wike in the state.

On Saturday, supporters of Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), staged a rally in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital.

The rally was organised by New Associates, a pro-Wike political group led by George Turnah, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Some minutes after the rally started, sounds of gunshots echoed in the air as attendees scampered for safety.

The gunshots were said to have been fired from a nearby bush. The rally would eventually proceed as planned minutes after the incident.

In a statement on Sunday, Obiuwou Koku-Obiyai, Bayelsa commissioner of information, said the police should identify and arrest those involved in the shooting.

The state government said the incident was not a “coincidence as the organisers had earlier threatened that ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ would attend the event”.

The government also said the organisers made use of a campground belonging to a religious organisation.

“While noting that the event negated guidelines for political activities as stipulated in the Electoral Act and by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the government observed that it was held on the campground of a religious organisation,” the statement reads.

“It warned political groups in the state not to drag religious organisations into their partisan activities that desecrate sacred places of worship.

“It further stated that it would not hesitate to sanction any religious organisation that breaches the law.

“The government restated its commitment to sustaining the peace in the state as well as ensuring the security of lives and property of all residents.”

WHAT THE LAW SAYS

The Electoral Act 2022 frowns upon the use of designated places of worship for political campaigns and rallies.

Section 92 (3) of the act states that: “Places designated for religious worship, police stations, and public offices shall not be used— (a) for political campaigns, rallies and processions.”

THE CONTROVERSY

The build-up to the rally was rife with controversy as Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa, had insisted that the event was likely to trigger violence.

However, Wike’s supporters dismissed the governor’s comment and vowed to go ahead with the rally — initially scheduled for April 11 at Tombia roundabout open field in Yenagoa.

On April 3, the high court in Yenagoa restrained Wike’s supporters from holding the rally.

The order was made following an ex parte application filed by Biriyai Dambo, the Bayelsa attorney-general.

To counter the move of Wike’s supporters, loyalists of Diri had organised a separate rally at the same location and on the same day.

Due to the development, Wike’s supporters postponed their planned rally to April 26 to avoid potential clashes.