The Bayelsa state government has condemned the shooting incident that occurred during a political rally organised on Saturday by the NEW Associates, a group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Obiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the government urged the Inspector-General of Police and state police authorities to investigate and identify those responsible for the violence at the rally.
The government expressed concern that the shooting was premeditated, noting that the organisers had earlier warned that “the good, the bad and the ugly” would be present at the event.
It questioned why a rally that was expected to be peaceful descended into violence, with reports of injuries sustained by some participants.
The statement further called for a swift investigation to ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
Highlighting that the event violated guidelines for political activities set by the Electoral Act and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the government also pointed out that the rally was held at the premises of a religious organisation.
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.
Recall that security operatives on Saturday repelled gunmen who invaded the venue of the rally organised by NEW Associates in Igbogene area of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
NEW Associates is a political group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike.
The event which was organized to inaugurate the group’s executives was briefly disrupted by the gunmen who fired gunshots into the air shortly after the programme commenced.
