A faction of the Bayelsa State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Barr. George Turnah has condemned the dismissal of 27 political aides to Governor Douye Diri for their alleged participation in the mega rally in support of President Bola Tinubu organised by the New Associates last week Saturday.
In a circular making the rounds which was signed by the Deputy Chief of Staff Government House, Irorodamie Komonibo, the Bayelsa State government terminated the appointment of 27 political aides to the Governor stating no reason.
However, in a statement by the Publicity Secretary of its Caretaker Committee, Derri Alasuote Wright, the PDP interim committee on Thursday said the governor’s action was unjust and is “an alarming demonstration of intolerance and high-handedness that undermines the democratic values we hold dear.”
The Bayelsa PDP caretaker committee which was recently appointed by the party’s National Vice Chairman South South Zone, Chief Dan Orbhi, said the dismissal of the aides is undemocratic and against the tenets of the PDP.
It also expressed worry about what it said to be the level of intolerance and abuse of public power said to be exhibited by Diri.
While stating that neither Bayelsa nor the state treasury belongs to Governor Diri, the party maintained that the sacked aides did nothing wrong to warrant their dismissal.
According to the statement: “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.”
Alasuote Wright, in the statement, called on Governor Diri to reconsider the decision and to embrace the principles of inclusion, respect, and open dialogue.
The Bayelsa PDP equally urged all stakeholders, political leaders, and citizens to join in advocating for a “tolerant and inclusive political culture that honours the contributions of all who seek to uplift Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole.”
