Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has issued a warning to political appointees in his administration against premature political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the 162nd Executive Council meeting held Wednesday at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Diri stated unequivocally that any political appointee who engages in political activities before the official timetable is released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be summarily dismissed.
The governor’s warning comes amid growing speculations and early political maneuvering by individuals eyeing various elective positions in 2027.
According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri emphasized that his administration remains focused on delivering good governance and developmental projects, not political distractions.
“This is the time for governance,” Diri said. “I have started hearing public statements on radio about who is contesting for one office or the other. Even the Bible tells us that there is time for everything. I would like to advise politicians to follow the guidelines of political activities as enunciated by the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
Diri, who decried attempts to heat up the polity prematurely, made it clear that he would not tolerate any form of political campaign disguised as governance by his aides.
“If you want to heat up the polity, please resign,” he warned. “Going forward, any political appointee that goes on air to talk about 2027 politics will be sacked. No matter the office you occupy, if you engage in political activities when it is not yet time and it is brought to my knowledge, consider yourself sacked.”
The governor also had words for the general public: “For non-appointees, please look for other economic activities that will bring development to our dear state. We cannot as a state be doing politics from January to December every year.”
He reminded all aspirants that there is a legal framework guiding the commencement of electoral activities: “There is a timetable for political activities to commence. Power comes from God. Sheathe your sword for now or remove the powder in your gun and wait.”
Governor Diri concluded with a final caution: “Everybody is put on notice that if any of those social media political comments are seen, action will be taken. We are here to work, not campaign.”
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