The Bayelsa State chapter of the Indigenes Without Borders Foundation has called on political actors in the state to respect the constitution and uphold democratic principles amid the political realignments following Governor Douye Diri’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chief Nathaniel Opokumo, the group urged all stakeholders to protect the sanctity of democracy by allowing freedom of association as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
The foundation noted that while Gov. Diri has the constitutional right to join any political association of his choice, elected officials who choose to remain in the PDP should be allowed to continue performing their duties without intimidation or threat.
“While acknowledgeding the right of the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri to join any political association of his choice, it has become imperative to state that any elected official who refuse to resign from the PDP alongside the governor should be allowed to continue to function in their elected positions to deliver the dividends of democracy to the electorates who voted them in on the platform of the PDP,” it said.
The group observed that during the governor’s announcement of those joining him in resigning from the PDP, the name of the deputy governor was notably omitted.
“We observed that in the roll call by the Bayelsa state governor of those who will be joining him in resigning from the PDP, the portfolio of the deputy governor was conspicuously not mentioned.
“This therefore suggest that not all elected officials may be joining the governor to resign from the PDP,” the statement said.
The foundation expressed concern over reports that some members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly had been instructed to impeach the deputy governor if he declines to follow the governor in leaving the PDP.
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It also cited the stance of former Governor and serving Senator, Seriake Dickson, who has reportedly decided to remain in the PDP, as further indication that not all political leaders in the state share the governor’s decision.
“As a concerned group that desires the sustenance of political peace and development in Bayelsa State, we strongly warn against any attempt to impeach elected officials who may decide not to join the governor in resigning from the PDP,” the statement said.
The foundation urged all political actors to place the interests of Bayelsa State and its citizens above partisan considerations, warning against plunging the state into unnecessary political crises.
“Our dear state should not be thrown into turmoil because of the recent resignation of the governor from the PDP,” it added.
