The Bayelsa Rescue Movement (BRM) has accused the administration of Governor Douye Diri of politically marginalising Bayelsa East Senatorial District and parts of Yenagoa Local Government Area in the distribution of key political appointments.
Key Highlights
- BRM wants Governor Diri to review the distribution of political appointments.
- The group says Bayelsa East and Yenagoa deserve greater representation.
- It argues that political inclusion is necessary to strengthen unity and public confidence.
- BRM warned that perceived exclusion could deepen political divisions in the state.
The group said Brass, Ogbia and Nembe Local Government Areas in Bayelsa East, as well as Yenagoa LGA, have contributed significantly to the economic development of the state but are allegedly being excluded from key positions of political influence.
In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Hon. Kalas Agai Nimitenbofa, BRM called on Governor Diri to address what it described as a growing pattern of political exclusion affecting Bayelsa East and significant sections of Yenagoa.
“This is not a demand for political patronage. It is a demand for fairness, inclusion, equity and a sense of belonging for every Bayelsan,” the group said.
BRM expressed concern over what it described as the concentration of critical political responsibilities in particular senatorial districts, warning that the state government should not be perceived as the preserve of any individual, family, political tendency or geographical bloc.
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The group argued that continued clustering of major appointments in particular areas could create a perception of exclusion and weaken confidence in equal citizenship.
BRM recalled that Governor Diri’s first tenure was characterised by what it described as more inclusive political arrangements, but alleged that political imbalance had become more pronounced during his second tenure.
The group warned against creating distinctions between citizens based on geography, political connections or proximity to power.
“Bayelsa East remains central to the state’s economic life, while Yenagoa is the political and administrative capital. Their contributions to the development, revenue generation, commerce and overall wellbeing of Bayelsa cannot be ignored when political responsibilities are being distributed,” it said.
BRM therefore urged Governor Diri to review the existing political arrangement and take deliberate steps to promote broader representation in government and the leadership structure of the ruling political party.
The group stressed that its demand was aimed at promoting unity rather than division.
“This is not about demanding that every position be shared according to a rigid formula. It is about ensuring that every part of Bayelsa has a genuine sense of belonging and reasonable access to the processes through which decisions affecting the people are made,” BRM said.
The group maintained that a more inclusive political arrangement would strengthen unity and help preserve the common identity of Bayelsans and the wider Ijaw people.
