The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has directed his appointees who are nursing political ambitions ahead of the 2023 elections to resign immediately in order not to distract activities of his administration.
Diri who spoke during the weekly State Executive Council Meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, said that while it was legitimate to nurse and pursue such ambitions, they should not be at the expense of the effectiveness of his government to deliver on the promises he made to the state.
Diri stated further that while 2022 was an election year, he would not sacrifice governance on the altar of politics.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as having assured the Bayelsa people of his readiness to deliver on his electoral promises to the people before the next general election.
According to him it would not be right for cabinet members with interest in the forthcoming election in February or March next year to attempt to combine politics with governance.
Diri was emphatic that the quest and efforts to develop the state should supersede politics.
The Governor who commended members of the Exco for their commitment to serve the state in the past year expressed the confidence that they can put more concerted efforts designed to achieve more for the people.
He said: “I welcome you all to the first executive council meeting in this new year. This year holds so much for us as it precedes an election year.
“We have few weeks to be two years in office. So, what is important now is what we have to show to the people of the state and to Nigeria in our two years in office and beyond it.
“What else can we still do, as we still have time to still do more? The feedback from the people about our performance so far has been very encouraging.
“However, let me warn that any member of the state executive council that has one political ambition or the other to honourably resign.
“Any member of cabinet that has such ambition should please send your resignation letter to Secretary to the State Government.
“It is legitimate for anyone to have ambition but we are one party, we are one government. Let not anyone’s ambition derail our governance and government. Just as we cannot stop anyone from having ambition, let no one stop the government from functioning.
“So, you can see where my warning is coming from. It is very difficult for you to combine your job and pursue your ambition.
“For me and my deputy, the Constitution made it impossible for us to resign. So we continue in office to pursue our ambition.
“I also like to congratulate and appreciate you for the past year. We worked in synergy and as a family. I believe this year will not be different. We will still work together as partners in the development of our state and to give quality service that you and I will be remembered for at God’s own time when we exit our seats.”
