A political storm is brewing in Bayelsa State following the dismissal of 27 political appointees by Governor Douye Diri, drawing sharp criticism from within the ranks of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The termination, conveyed in a letter signed by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Irorodamie Komonibo, instructed the Secretary to the State Government to immediately stop the entitlements of the affected appointees and retrieve all government properties in their possession.
The move has sparked discontent among party faithful, with the PDP caretaker committee in Bayelsa describing the action as “unjust” and damaging to internal democracy. Speaking through its publicity secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright, the committee condemned the governor’s decision, calling it a betrayal of loyal party members.
“These political aides believed in our vision as a party and worked tirelessly to promote inclusivity and civic engagement,” Wright said. “Sacking them without due process is a breach of trust and a clear sign of intolerance.”
The caretaker committee urged Governor Diri to reverse the decision and instead promote dialogue and inclusiveness, which they believe are essential for strengthening party unity and good governance.
However, the state PDP Working Committee dismissed the caretaker committee’s position, with its publicity secretary, Ebiye Ogoli, asserting that the committee has no legal standing. Ogoli defended the governor, saying that Bayelsans continue to support Diri’s administration.
“The people have shown overwhelming support for Governor Diri, and any attempt to distract the government will be met with the appropriate response,” Ogoli said. He also accused unnamed actors of trying to destabilise the state through internal party wrangling.
While the state government has not officially explained the rationale behind the mass sack, political observers believe it may be connected to internal restructuring or efforts to consolidate loyalty within the administration ahead of future political developments.
The development has added to the growing tension in Bayelsa politics, with party factions battling for control and relevance in a post-election environment.
Governor Diri, re-elected in 2023, has faced pressure to balance political appointments with performance while managing differing interests within the PDP. His latest action appears to have widened the cracks within the party, especially between loyalists of the state’s PDP working committee and those aligned with the caretaker group.
Efforts to reach the affected appointees for comment were unsuccessful, but sources close to some of them expressed shock and disappointment at the sudden action, noting they were neither informed nor given reasons for their removal.
As calls mount for clarity and reconciliation, it remains to be seen whether the governor will heed the calls for dialogue or press ahead with what some see as a political cleansing.
