ABUJA – The Zonal Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South, Alabh George Turnah, has dismissed allegations made by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.
The governor had claimed that Turnah was conspiring with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to create instability in the state.
Addressing the media at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Turnah denied any involvement in the alleged plans to host Wike in Bayelsa.
He emphasised that for any federal minister to visit a state, there must be formal communication between the state government and federal authorities, including full disclosure to relevant security agencies.
Turnah referenced a statement made by Governor Diri on March 28, 2025, in which the governor accused him of colluding with Wike to cause unrest in Bayelsa.
The governor had cited a Facebook post that purportedly mentioned Turnah’s phone number and claimed he was planning a rally in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Turnah stressed that the claims were based on an unverified social media post and were entirely false.
“For the record, neither I nor any affiliated group, including the NEW Associates Bayelsa State Chapter, has ever announced any intention to host Minister Wike in Bayelsa or any other location at the time mentioned,” Turnah clarified.
“Such visits require official communication between government entities and proper security arrangements, which have not been made.”
Turnah also expressed disappointment that Governor Diri relied on an unverified Facebook post to make serious accusations.
