Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has threatened to sack impatient political appointees who are engaging in political activities ahead of the yet to be released electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Gov. Diri said any of his appointees found engaging in political activities at this time will be sacked.
He issued the sack threat on Wednesday, during the 162nd session of the state’s executive council meeting held at the Government House, Yenagoa.
The governor, who wondered why some persons decided to heat up the polity when it was not yet time for politicking, noted that although everyone has the right to aspire to any political office, it should be done in line with the INEC stipulated guidelines.
Gov. Diri said his administration is focused on governance and on programmes that will develop the state and should not be distracted by unnecessary political activities.
He urged the people of the state to engage in other profitable ventures rather than politicking when it is not yet time to do so.
“I would like to advise politicians to follow the guidelines of political activities as enunciated by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Even the Bible tells us that there is time for everything.
“This is the time for governance, and we have started hearing public statements on the radio about who was contesting for one office or the other.
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“I advise all of us to refrain from politicking and wait for INEC’s guidelines, particularly for political appointees. If you want to heat the polity, please resign.
“Going forward, any political appointee who goes on air to talk about 2027 politics will be sacked.
“Any political appointee, no matter his office, who goes on air or does political activities when it is not yet time and it is brought to my knowledge, consider yourself sacked.
“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.
“Elections are in 2027, but some want to play God when they do not even know if they will see 2027. I am not praying for anybody’s death.
“Those who want to take whatever offices, please, there is law and order in this country. There is a timetable for political activities to commence.
“I always say that power comes from God. So, sheathe your sword for now or remove the powder in your gun and wait. When INEC releases the guidelines for political activities, everybody will be free to play politics.
“As a political appointee, that has to stop today. Everybody is put on notice that if any of those social media political comments are seen, action will be taken,” Gov. Diri warned.
