Bayelsa State: Wike's Camp Fumes As Gov Diri Sacks 27 Aides For Attending Rally
The political crisis rocking Bayelsa State seems to be gathering steam as faction loyal Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has raised issues with Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s recent decision to remove 27 of his appointees from office, citing alleged early involvement in political activities.
The group, operating under the name NEW Associates and known for its grassroots mobilization, claimed that the affected individuals were punished for attending a rally in support of President Bola Tinubu and Minister Wike.
Governor Diri had earlier cautioned his cabinet members against engaging in political discourse or campaign activities before the Independent National Electoral Commission’s official timeline, warning, “Going forward, any political appointee that goes on air to talk about 2027 politics will be sacked.”
Subsequently, a letter dated April 23, issued by the Deputy Chief of Staff Irorodiame Komonibo, confirmed the termination of the appointments.
Those relieved of their duties included senior aides, special assistants, and local mobilisers.
The decision sparked criticism from the caretaker leadership of the state’s Peoples Democratic Party. In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright, the party described the dismissals as excessive and discriminatory.
According to the PDP, the dismissed officials had merely expressed support for a political group and had not breached any known legal or ethical boundaries. The party further emphasized that the individuals had been instrumental in ensuring the PDP’s electoral success in the previous gubernatorial polls.
Wright insisted that the government should not be viewed as the personal property of any individual, adding that actions such as these discourage active political participation at the grassroots.
The party has demanded that Governor Diri rescind the terminations and demonstrate a more inclusive and democratic approach to governance.
