Bayelsa govt accuses Wike’s supporters of breaching Electoral Act breach over rally
The Bayelsa government has told police authorities to investigate the shooting incident at a rally held by loyalists of Nyesom Wike in the state.
On Saturday, supporters of the minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), Wike organized a rally in honour of the politician.
The rally was staged 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 began, sounds of gunshots echoed in the air as attendees scampered for safety.
In a statement on Sunday, , Bayelsa commissioner of information, Obiuwou Koku-Obiyai said the police should identify and arrest those connected with he shooting.
The Bayelsa government stated that the incident was not a “coincidence as the organisers had earlier threatened that ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ would attend the event”.
“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.”
