The Ogbia Political Front (OPF) has come out in strong defense of Hon. Gabriel Ogbara, the Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, over allegations stemming from a viral video allegedly showing the lawmaker in a physical altercation. The group has accused George Turnah, a former Special Assistant to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), of deliberately promoting a doctored and outdated video in an effort to discredit the lawmaker for political purposes.
In a statement signed by OPF coordinator Mr. Azibato Austin, the group categorically dismissed the authenticity of the video being circulated online. According to Austin, the video is not only outdated but also manipulated to misrepresent the facts. He alleged that the video was recorded over four years ago and had already been discredited by the individual purported to be involved in the alleged altercation.
Mr. Austin cited a public statement made on December 25, 2021, by Mr. Williams Olalaoni, the man shown in the video, in which he explicitly disassociated himself from the video and refuted its claims. In that statement, Olalaoni reportedly said, “This is to inform the general public to disregard the recent post made about the Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly by me. Anyone found spreading it in any form will be held accountable. The video is also old and doctored. Thanks, Mr. Williams Olalaoni.”
The OPF condemned what it described as a politically motivated smear campaign, accusing Turnah of using the manipulated footage to launch a personal attack against Hon. Ogbara. “For clarity’s sake, the said doctored video is an old clip, over four years. Why is George Turnah only now sponsoring and promoting it?” Austin asked.
According to the OPF, the renewed circulation of the video is a calculated attempt by Turnah to gain political relevance by undermining the credibility of respected public officials. Mr. Austin stated that such tactics are indicative of desperation and reflect Turnah’s alleged history of political manipulation.
The group strongly defended Hon. Gabriel Ogbara’s legislative record and public service, noting that the lawmaker has consistently demonstrated commitment to the development of Ogbia Local Government Area. According to OPF, constituents continue to express satisfaction with Ogbara’s performance in office, particularly in his role as Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
In the same statement, OPF leveled serious accusations against George Turnah, citing his past involvement in alleged financial misconduct. Mr. Austin claimed that during Turnah’s tenure as Special Assistant on Youth to the then Managing Director of the NDDC, he misappropriated billions of naira earmarked for youth empowerment and development projects in the Niger Delta region.
“George Turnah should hide his face in shame for converting billions of naira meant for the development of the Niger Delta Region and youth empowerment programs for personal use,” Mr. Austin declared.
The OPF alleged that Turnah’s current attempts to stir controversy are merely efforts to shift public attention from his own controversial political and financial past. The group asserted that his involvement in the circulation of the video is a strategic move aimed at rebuilding his political standing by targeting credible individuals like Hon. Ogbara.
Mr. Austin issued a strong warning to Turnah, urging him to desist from dragging Hon. Ogbara into what he described as a “sinking political ship.” He stated that the lawmaker would not be used as a pawn in any personal or political vendetta.
“Once again, George Turnah should kindly stay away from Hon. Gabriel Ogbara and don’t even in your dreams drag him to your sinking political ship,” Austin concluded.
As political tensions continue to rise in Bayelsa State, the dispute between the two camps highlights ongoing power struggles and realignments ahead of future political contests. While the video in question has sparked renewed debate, the OPF’s statement has called attention to the need for careful scrutiny of digital content and the motives behind its dissemination.
