The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the alleged stoppage of salaries of political appointees under the administration of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Yenagoa, the state capital, the state Chairman, Dauprebo Ikuromo, described the move as unconstitutional, vindictive, and a betrayal of democratic ideals.
Ikuromo also alleged that several political appointees under the current administration had their salaries withheld for refusing to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the governor’s new political platform.
He described the development as “shameful, cowardly, and an act of ingratitude” against individuals who, according to him, played key roles in securing the governor’s re-election.
The NDC chairman alleged that Governor Diri, who had projected himself as an advocate of inclusive governance since his first tenure, now appears to be targeting perceived political opponents and dissenting voices.
He argued that political affiliation remains a constitutional right, stressing that the governor’s decision to defect does not invalidate the rights of others to remain in or join parties of their choice.
Ikuromo further alleged that civil servants in the state are being subjected to intimidation over their political affiliations, particularly those identified with the NDC.
He lamented that such actions is a clear violation of Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees freedom of association, as well as existing Supreme Court rulings affirming the rights of public servants to belong to political parties.
The statement reads in part:“It is deeply ironic that a governor who once prided himself on inclusivity is now allegedly hunting those who are not aligned with his new political party.
“This raises serious concerns about intolerance, abuse of power, and the shrinking democratic space in Bayelsa State and should be condemned by all.
“The Governor should know that the same right he exercised in moving to the APC is available to every other citizen. Stopping salaries of appointees who have neither been relieved of their duties nor found wanting is not only unjust but a clear abuse of office.”
The NDC helmsman warned that the alleged intimidation of civil servants and political appointees could erode public trust in governance and set a dangerous precedent for political victimisation in the state.
He however called on heads of security agencies in Bayelsa State to ensure their personnel are not used as instruments of political harassment, cautioning that such actions could threaten peace and stability.
Recall that Senator Seriake Dickson is the founder of Nigeria Democratic Congress and the political godfather of Governor Douye Diri.
Infact he was instrumental to Governor Douye Diri’s emergence as the Governor of Bayelsa State.
Governor Diri moved to APC from PDP while his godfather registered another party known as NDC
