Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has sacked no fewer than 27 of his political aides following their participation in the inauguration of the Bayelsa State chapter of a grassroots-based political movement, The NEW Associates.
The affected aides were reportedly sacked after attending the inauguration of the Bayelsa chapter of The NEW Associates and participating in a mega rally held in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In a letter titled “TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT” dated 23rd April 2025, signed by Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday, it was noted that the appointments were terminated 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 Bayelsa State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Governor Douye Diri’s decision to dismiss several of his political aides for identifying with the grassroots political movement, The NEW Associates.
In a statement signed by Derri Alasuote Wright, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, the party described the sackings as “an alarming demonstration of intolerance and high-handedness” that runs contrary to the democratic ideals the party upholds.
The PDP expressed dismay at the action, noting that the individuals in question had worked diligently to ensure the party’s success in the last gubernatorial elections, which ultimately led to Governor Diri’s success at the election
“The sacking of these political appointees from the Prosperity Administration is particularly unfortunate,” the statement read. “They are all party members who believed in our vision and labored for our collective success.”
The party criticized what it described as the governor’s misuse of public power, reminding him that the state government and treasury are public trusts, not personal possessions. “Such decisions discourage civic engagement and political participation,” the statement continued, “and send a chilling message to others within the system.”
Calling the dismissals “a severe breach of trust and an affront to democratic participation,” the PDP urged Governor Diri to reverse the decision and promote inclusivity, open dialogue, and tolerance.
The statement concluded with a call to political leaders and citizens to resist divisive tactics and work toward building a more inclusive and democratic political environment in Bayelsa State and across Nigeria.
“Together, let us stand firm in our commitment to democracy, solidarity, and the right to associate freely,” the statement added.
