Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has issued a strong warning to his political appointees, cautioning them to steer clear of any form of political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the 162nd session of the State Executive Council meeting held at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, Governor Diri made it clear that any appointee found engaging in early politicking would be summarily dismissed.
The governor frowned at what he described as attempts by some individuals to “heat up the polity” even before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released official guidelines for the next election cycle.
“This is not the time for politics. This is the time for governance,” Diri declared, stressing that while everyone has the right to aspire to political office, such ambitions must be pursued within the confines of INEC’s timeline.
He further warned: “Going forward, any political appointee that goes on air to talk about 2027 politics will be sacked. If any political appointee, no matter his office, engages in premature political activities and it is brought to my attention, consider yourself sacked.”
Diri urged politicians to exhibit restraint and wait for the official green light from INEC before launching political campaigns. He also advised the general public to channel their energies into more productive ventures rather than engaging in endless politicking.
The full statement read, “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 radio about who was contesting for one office or the other.
“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.
“Going forward, any political appointee that 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.”
