- Demand Reversal
By Kolawole Ojebisi
The New Associates, a grassroots political movement linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has rejected the sacking of 27 political appointees by Governor Douye Diri over alleged premature politicking.
Wike’s allies faulted Diri’s decision, saying the governor made the move to punish members of his administration who participated in a recent solidarity rally organised in support of President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister
Governor Diri had recently warned his appointees against engaging in political activities ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s guidelines for the 2027 general elections.
“I advise all of us to refrain from politicking and wait for INEC’s guidelines, particularly for political appointees. If you want to heat up the polity, please resign,” the governor had said.
“Going forward, any political appointee that goes on air to talk about 2027 politics will be sacked.”
Following that warning, a letter dated April 23 and signed by Deputy Chief of Staff, Irorodiame Komonibo, announced the termination of 27 appointments.
Those affected include senior special assistants, special assistants, and grassroots mobilisers.
However, the development did not go down well the caretaker leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright, the party accused Diri of high-handedness and intolerance.
“The sacked aides committed no known offence other than identifying with the NEW Associates political group,” Wright said.
“This unjust action is an alarming demonstration of intolerance and high-handedness that undermines the democratic values we hold dear.”
He added that the affected appointees were loyal PDP members who contributed to the party’s victory in the last governorship election.
“It is particularly unfortunate as they are all party members who worked diligently for the party’s victory, of which Governor Diri is the biggest beneficiary,” Wright noted.
“Neither the government nor the treasury of Bayelsa State belongs personally to Governor Diri.”
Wright argued that the sack sends a chilling message to political actors and citizens, discouraging grassroots engagement and free association—principles he said are fundamental to democracy.
The party called on Diri to reverse the dismissals and embrace a more inclusive and tolerant leadership style.
“We urge all stakeholders, political leaders, and citizens to join us in advocating for a more tolerant and inclusive political culture that honours the contributions of all,” he stated.
