Timothy Diekivie Itiedu Condemns George Turnah Over Alleged Betrayal and Greed

Hon. Timothy Diekivie Itiedu, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Environmental Sanitation Authority, has issued a strongly worded statement condemning Barrister George Turnah for what he described as acts of betrayal, greed, and dishonor against the Ijaw people and Bayelsa State leadership. In the public statement, Itiedu criticized Turnah’s recent political alignment with individuals and factions allegedly hostile to the interests of the Ijaw Nation and the administration of Governor Douye Diri.

Itiedu expressed deep concern over Turnah’s association with political figures who, in his words, have consistently undermined the identity, struggles, and unity of the Ijaw people. He claimed that Turnah’s alignment with these groups is an insult to the very people he claims to represent and accused him of abandoning long-held values for personal gain.

In his statement, Itiedu argued that Turnah’s behavior amounts to a betrayal of Governor Douye Diri, who he described as a respected leader and a symbol of progress in Bayelsa State. He claimed that Turnah’s actions stem from a desire for political relevance and an unfulfilled ambition to secure a top appointment within Diri’s administration, specifically the Chief of Staff position. According to Itiedu, Governor Diri’s refusal to appoint Turnah due to concerns over integrity and values prompted Turnah’s political realignment and public criticism of the administration.

Itiedu went further to compare Turnah’s conduct to the biblical betrayal by Judas Iscariot, saying Turnah had “sold his conscience for relevance.” He stated that Turnah’s repeated actions over time reflect a pattern of self-interest and sabotage, and accused him of abandoning loyalty and principle in the pursuit of influence and power.

The statement also highlighted Turnah’s past controversies, including allegations of fraud and questions about his integrity in public service. Itiedu labeled him a “monumental failure” and said it was hypocritical for Turnah, with his history, to question the performance of a governor he described as “evidence-driven” and “miracle-working.”

In a particularly pointed attack, Itiedu questioned the legitimacy of Turnah’s professional title, suggesting that the prefix “Barrister” should be stripped from his name. He called on legal institutions to verify whether Turnah’s qualifications meet the standards required for such a title. Itiedu implied that Turnah may have obtained his credentials through questionable means, echoing past criticisms of his career and legal challenges.

Referring to what he called Turnah’s “ex-convict status” and “multiple fraud accusations,” Itiedu urged the public to reject Turnah’s brand of politics. He framed Turnah as a symbol of what Bayelsa must leave behind in order to move forward. In contrast, he praised Governor Diri’s leadership as one rooted in integrity, accountability, and service to the people, and urged the citizens of Bayelsa to continue supporting the governor’s vision.

Itiedu’s remarks are the latest in an escalating political confrontation between figures within Bayelsa’s political landscape. His statement contributes to an increasingly public feud and reflects broader tensions over loyalty, governance, and the direction of leadership in the state.

George Turnah has not yet publicly responded to the allegations and criticisms raised in Itiedu’s statement. However, the comments are likely to generate significant political reactions within Bayelsa and among observers of the state’s ongoing political developments.

The dispute also highlights underlying political divisions that could shape the future of the state’s governance and influence within the Ijaw Nation. With Hon. Itiedu openly calling for Turnah to be stripped of his professional title and urging public scrutiny of his past, the controversy is expected to fuel further debate on issues of credibility, leadership, and political ambition in Bayelsa State.