08
Apr
Apr
PDP’S GEORGE TURNAH ACCUSES GOVERNOR DIRI’S SUPPORTERS OF PLOT TO ASSASSINATE HIM
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CapitalTimesNews / 2 weeks
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- 2 min read
The South-South Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), George Turnah, has alleged that supporters of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, are plotting to assassinate him and his family. In a letter dated April 7, 2025, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Turnah claimed his life is under threat due to a growing rift with Governor Diri. The rift, according to Turnah, stems from his political alliance with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. Turnah, a known loyalist of Wike, announced plans to launch the Bayelsa chapter of the “NEW Associates,” a pro-Tinubu grassroots movement, along with a major rally set for April 12. Turnah accused Governor Diri of fueling animosity against him, citing remarks allegedly made at recent meetings of the State Security and Elders Council, where he was labeled “an enemy of the state and the Ijaw nation” for organizing a rally in support of President Tinubu and Wike. “I am writing to bring to your urgent attention a serious matter concerning my safety and well-being following an ideological disagreement with Governor Diri,” Turnah wrote. “Since aligning with the FCT Minister, I have received threats to my life from the Governor’s loyalists.” Turnah also referenced a Facebook post by Jonah Paebi, a known supporter of Governor Diri, who allegedly wrote that Turnah’s political move was a “death trap” and warned the public to “watch how George Turnah will soon be a thing of the past.” Due to the alleged threats, Turnah revealed that he and his family have fled their home and are currently in hiding at an undisclosed hotel. “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,” Turnah appealed. This controversy adds a complex layer to Turnah’s public profile, who in 2022, was convicted and sentenced to four years in prison on corruption charges related to his tenure as Special Assistant to the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dan Abia. However, Turnah paid a fine in lieu of serving the sentence.
