The newly constituted Caretaker Committee of the Bayelsa chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday criticised the sack of 27 appointees of Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri who participated in the April 26 mega rally in solidarity with President Bola Tinubu.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Derri Alasuote Wright
State Publicity Secretary, Caretaker Committee, PDP, Bayelsa Chapter.
The PDP in Bayelsa has recently been engulfed in a crisis following the dissolution of the State Working Committee in Bayelsa loyal to Gov Douye Diri and the appointment of George Turnah, an ally of Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister
The appointees were relieved of the appointments in a letter signed by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government Hiuse, Yenagoa, Mr Irorodanmiem Komononibo, urging the last week’s political appointees to submit government assets in their possession.
“The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Bayelsa State, stand in firm condemnation of the recent decision by Governor Douye Diri to dismiss his political aides following their participation in the inauguration of the Bayelsa State Chapter of a grassroot-based political movement, The NEW Associates.
“This unjust action is an alarming demonstration of intolerance and high-handedness that undermines the democratic values we hold dear.
“The Bayelsa State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) strongly condemn the sacking of these political appointees, who identified with the NEW Associates political group and participated in the mega rally held in solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON,” Wright stated.
According to the Bayelsa PDP Caretaker Committee, the sacking of these political appointees from the prosperity administration is particularly unfortunate as they are all party members who worked diligently for the party’s victory in the last governorship elections, of which Governor Diri is the biggest beneficiary.
The Committee noted that the PDP is deeply concerned about the level of intolerance and abuse of public power exhibited by Diri.
“It is important to note that neither the government of Bayelsa State nor the treasury of the state belongs personally to Governor Diri.
“Rather, they are public assets that should be used to serve all citizens equitably and without sentiments or emotions. The Party is saddened that the sacked aides committed no known offence that would warrant their dismissal.
“Sacking these political aides, who believed in our vision as a Party and worked diligently to promote inclusivity and civic engagement, represents a severe breach of trust and an affront to democratic participation which are alien to the PDP.
“It sends a chilling message to political office holders and citizens alike, discouraging them from aligning with movements that promote positive change and political accountability. Such actions have no place in a democracy and betray the ideals of leadership that we expect from our elected officials,”.
The committee called on Governor Diri to reconsider this decision and to embrace the principles of inclusion, respect, and open dialogue to foster an environment where diverse opinions and grassroots movements are welcomed rather than stifled.
“Democracy thrives on debate, collaboration, and unity, not on division and fear.
“We urge all stakeholders, political leaders, and citizens to join us in advocating for a more tolerant and inclusive political culture that honours the contributions of all who seek to uplift our beloved Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole,” Wright stated.