Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has sacked no fewer than 27 political aides for participating in a rally organized by The NEW Associates, a political group reportedly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The dismissal followed the aides’ attendance at the inauguration of the Bayelsa State chapter of The NEW Associates and their open involvement in a mega rally aligned with the group’s agenda.
A letter titled "TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT", dated April 23, 2025, and signed by Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, was made public on Thursday. In the letter, the state government confirmed that the affected aides' appointments were revoked with immediate effect.
“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,” the letter stated.
However, the move has stirred sharp criticism from within the ruling party. In a statement issued by Derri Alasuote Wright, Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee in Bayelsa State, the party described the sackings as “an alarming demonstration of intolerance and high-handedness.”
The PDP expressed concern that the dismissed aides had been key contributors to the success of the party in the last gubernatorial election that saw Governor Diri re-elected.
“The sacking of these political appointees from the Prosperity Administration is particularly unfortunate,” the PDP said. “They are all party members who believed in our vision and laboured for our collective success.”
The statement went on to accuse Governor Diri of misusing public office, adding that his action sends a dangerous signal that discourages civic engagement and political participation.
“Such decisions discourage civic engagement and political participation and send a chilling message to others within the system,” the PDP warned.
Calling the dismissals “a breach of trust and an affront to democratic participation,” the PDP urged Governor Diri to reconsider the action, promote inclusivity, and embrace dialogue rather than punishment.
“Together, let us stand firm in our commitment to democracy, solidarity, and the right to associate freely,” the party concluded.
