The Zonal Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), South-South zone, George Turnah, has raised the alarm over an alleged threat to his life.
Turnah raised the issue in a letter to President Bola Tinubu, a copy of which was made available to newsmen.
He claimed that the threat stems from an alleged ideological disagreement with Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State regarding his involvement in the plot to form a coalition political party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The letter read in part: “I believe it is crucial for the Southern part of Nigeria to be allowed a full term of the presidency, as was the case with President Muhammadu Buhari.
“In line with my new political alignment with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, CON, we have scheduled the inauguration of the Bayelsa Chapter of a grassroots-based pro-Tinubu movement, The NEW Associates, along with a mega rally in solidarity and appreciation of your developmental strides in Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta.
“This event will also celebrate the appointment of notable sons and daughters of our state into positions of authority.
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“However, as a result of my involvement in the proposed rally, I have been labeled an enemy of the state and the Ijaw nation for proposing a rally to honour Mr. President and the FCT Minister on Ijaw soil.
“It was claimed that the rally was inappropriate because of Mr. President’s recent proclamation of a state of emergency, which saw the suspension of an Ijaw governor from office in Rivers State. It was further alleged that the FCT Minister had insulted the Ijaw people, suggesting he should not be visited, hosted, or honoured in Bayelsa State.
“To clarify the situation, I addressed a press conference to affirm my commitment to supporting Mr. President’s vision for Bayelsa State and the Ijaw nation. Unfortunately, since redirecting my loyalty towards the FCT Minister and announcing plans to organize this rally, I have received threats to my life from some members of the party in the state.
“Since these threats, my family and I have moved out of our home in Yenagoa and are currently taking refuge in an undisclosed hotel.
“We do not have the financial capacity to sustain this lifestyle or afford the services of security guards.
“The situation is also taking a toll on the mental health of my wife and children.
“Therefore, I urgently appeal for your intervention and protection for myself and my family.
“Given the current political climate and increasing tension within our party dynamics, I respectfully urge you to take appropriate measures to ensure my safety and the safety of those who stand with me.
“It is of utmost importance that leaders can express their beliefs without fear of intimidation or violence.”
