Bayelsa gov. warns political appointees against ‘early politicking’
......says, ‘Development of the state should be paramount’
Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has urged political appointees in the state to quit service rather than use their offices to curry political favours.
He told his Executive Council members to resign their positions if they could not wait until such a time that political activities are ripe, saying that 2023 is not yet by the corner .
Without missing words, Governor Diri reminded them that development of the state should be their watchword for now considering the time wasted when they came on board last year as the administration could not do much then because of the challenges to take-off.
He called on all those involved in early politicking to immediately withdraw and follow the directives of his administration, or leave the system, saying his government was not ready for politics at this time.
“For now , there shouldn’t be distractions but development all the way”, noted Diri who expressed dismay that appointees in his government have already started open politicking.”
The governor who spoke shortly before the Weekly Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa, Wednesday, frowned at the activities of some of his appointees, which he said were hitting up the polity ahead of the 2023 elections, stressing that it was too early for open politicking.
The governor’s observation came on the heels of alleged moves by a highly placed politician from West Senatorial district of the state mobilising political appointees towards his 2023 second tenure plans .
The governor continued, “Yes, it is the constitutional right of anybody to contest but even the Bible tells us that there is time for everything.
“At this time, we are trying to stamp our feet to meet up our campaign promises to our people.
“I hereby caution all those involved to immediately withdraw. If you are prepared to continue with this government, you must listen to the music of this administration. We are not prepared to start politicking from this year.”
The governor also a announced the appointment of two Special Advisers including that of Special Adviser on Non-Indigenes, Onuma Johnson and Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Barr. Alabo Ozubide, in fulfilment of his Campaign promises.
The governor also said, “We promised that when elected, we would appoint a Special Adviser from among non-ndigenes. This appointment is in fulfilment of that promise.
“We believe that you will be able to synergise and gather non-indigenes together” noted the governor stressing “Often, we see role conflicts between special advisers and commissioners that duty bound to implement government policies. You as special advisers should cooperate with them,”.
He charged them to avoid friction with commissioners but to cooperate with them to deliver development to people of the state.
