Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has terminated the appointments of 27 political aides who attended a rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The dismissals followed the aides’ participation in the inauguration of the Bayelsa chapter of The NEW Associates, a grassroots political group.
The rally, which was widely seen as endorsing Tinubu and Wike, reportedly drew the ire of the governor.
A letter titled “TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT” dated April 23, 2025, and signed by Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, made the disengagement official.
The document stated: “I write to inform you of the termination of the following appointments with immediate effect. Their appointments were communicated to your office in our letters under the listed reference numbers.”
Reacting strongly to the move, the Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issued a statement condemning the governor’s action.
In the release signed by Derri Alasuote Wright, Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee in the state, the party expressed concern over the governor’s perceived intolerance.
“The sacking of these political appointees from the Prosperity Administration is particularly unfortunate,” the PDP stated.
“They are all party members who believed in our vision and laboured for our collective success.”
The statement continued: “Such decisions discourage civic engagement and political participation, and send a chilling message to others within the system.”
The party further criticized what it described as the misuse of public office: “The state government and treasury are public trusts, not personal possessions.”
Calling the sackings “a severe breach of trust and an affront to democratic participation,” the PDP urged Governor Diri to reconsider the decision and adopt a more inclusive approach.
“Together, let us stand firm in our commitment to democracy, solidarity, and the right to associate freely,” the statement concluded.
