George Turnah, South-South Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a loyalist of former Governor Nyesom Wike, has alleged that supporters of Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri are plotting to assassinate him and his family.
In a letter dated April 7, 2025, addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Turnah expressed concerns for his safety, linking the threats to his political alliance with Wike. He disclosed plans to launch the Bayelsa chapter of the “NEW Associates”, a grassroots pro-Tinubu movement, alongside a major rally scheduled for April 12.
Turnah accused Governor Diri of inciting hostility against him, citing derogatory comments made during State Security and Elders Council meetings, where he was labeled “an enemy of the state and the Ijaw nation.” He attributed the governor’s animosity to President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from Rivers State.
In his letter, Turnah detailed receiving life threats since partnering with Wike, including a menacing Facebook post by supporter Jonah Paebi, who insinuated that Turnah’s political actions were a “death trap.” Due to these threats, he and his family have reportedly gone into hiding.
Turnah urgently appealed for intervention and protection for himself and his family, emphasizing the need for political leaders to express their views freely, without fear of intimidation or violence.
This incident adds complexity to Turnah’s public profile, having been previously convicted on corruption charges in 2022 related to his tenure at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), although he paid a fine instead of serving time. As of now, Governor Diri’s camp has not issued a response to the allegations.
