Politics
Bayelsa: Police Warn Against Unlawful Political Gathering
The Bayelsa State Police Command has warned politicians in the state against political gathering that does not have authorised permit in the state.
The police also declared that the ban imposed on rallies, campaigns or protests in the state still subsists.
The Tide Source learnt that the decision of the Police Command followed its earlier report on Thursday’s bloody clash between rival supporters of PDP chieftains from the Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.
The clash, which threw the people of Kpansia community of the state capital into panic, led to the burning of cars and macheting of individuals and passers-by.
It was alleged that the PDP supporters involved in the bloody clash were loyal to two camps of the State Commissioner of Health, Newton Aguele/Commissioner for Education, Gentle Emela and a member of the State House of Assembly representing the constituency, Oforji Oboku.
It was gathered that some PDP chieftains were in the process of leading some APC defectors to the State Governor when they were attacked by supporters of another camp.
The Police, in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, SP Asinim Butswat, warned politicians against unauthorised gathering, rallies and procession.
The statement read: “The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to re-echo an earlier warning concerning the unauthorised and unlawful gathering of persons or group of persons, without a duly approved Police permit”.
“This reminder has become imperative against the backdrop of an ugly development, where suspected political thugs clashed at Kpansia community on 20th January 2022, leading to burning of a car and injuries on some persons”.
“The command hereby wishes to state categorically, that it will not condone any act(s) of illegality by any person or group of persons in the guise of protest or campaign, as the ban on rallies, campaign and protest has not been lifted yet.
“The command is soliciting the co-operation and understanding of political party faithful and members of the public to comply with this order, as it is aimed at ensuring public safety in Bayelsa State”.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.