No fewer than 27 political aides to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State have been relieved of their duties after attending the inauguration of the Bayelsa State chapter of The NEW Associates, a grassroots political movement, News360 Nigeria reports.
The affected aides were also present at a mega rally organised in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Their dismissal was formally announced in a letter titled “Termination of Appointment,” dated April 23, 2025, and signed by Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor.
The letter, obtained by News360 Nigeria on Thursday, indicated that the sack was 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 statement read.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the governor’s action, describing it as a disturbing show of intolerance.
In a statement signed by Derri Alasuote Wright, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, the party labelled the dismissals as “an alarming demonstration of intolerance and high-handedness” contrary to the democratic principles the party claims to uphold.
The PDP expressed disappointment, stressing that the sacked aides had worked tirelessly to secure victory for the party in the last gubernatorial elections, contributing to Governor Diri’s re-election.
“The sacking of these political appointees from the Prosperity Administration is particularly unfortunate,” the statement noted.”
“They are all party members who believed in our vision and laboured for our collective success.”
The party accused Governor Diri of misusing his office, reminding him that the state government belongs to the people and not an individual.
It warned that such actions could discourage political engagement and silence dissent within the system.
Calling the dismissals “a severe breach of trust and an affront to democratic participation,” the PDP urged Governor Diri to reconsider his decision in the interest of political inclusivity and tolerance.
The statement concluded with an appeal to citizens and political actors in Bayelsa and beyond to reject divisive politics and stay committed to fostering a democratic, open, and inclusive environment.
“Together, let us stand firm in our commitment to democracy, solidarity, and the right to associate freely,” it added.
