George Turnah, the Zonal Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the south-south zone, has claimed that his life is under threat due to his involvement in a planned political rally.

In a letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Turnah detailed his concerns, due to disagreement with Bayelsa State’s governor, Douye Diri, over the formation of a new coalition party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Turnah’s letter, which was shared with the press, noted his belief in the importance of allowing the southern part of Nigeria a full term of the presidency, similar to the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.Nigerian cultural tours

He also mentioned his alignment with the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, and their plans to launch the Bayelsa Chapter of a grassroots movement, The NEW Associates, alongside a mega rally to celebrate President Tinubu’s developmental efforts in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta.

The rally, according to Turnah, is also intended to honour the appointment of notable figures from Bayelsa into positions of authority.

Since announcing his plans and shifting his political allegiance towards the FCT minister, Turnah said he has received threats to his life from some members of his party in the state.

His words: “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.y

“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.”