Diri’s Second Term: Yenagoa Constituency Demands Better Deal in Political Appointments

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Political stakeholders in Yenagoa Constituency I, mainly the people of Epie/Atissa hosting the state capital have demanded for a fair and better treatment in political appointments from Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State as he gets sworn-in for the second term of four years.

The stakeholders under the aegis of Equity Vanguard in a statement signed by Onizibe Samuel Asuefien, lamented that since 1999 the executive arm of government has sidelined the people of Epie/Atissa as no one has been privileged to occupy the Office of Governor or Deputy Governor.

They further pointed out that even the legislative arm of government in the State has consistently left out elected officials from Yenagoa Constituency 1 in its key appointments as none has occupied a principal office ranging from Speaker to Deputy Whip. 

The Group stated that though Prof. Steve Azaiki was Secretary to the State Government (SSG) for 18 months during the tenure of Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and Chief Diekivie Ikiogha as Chief of Staff under the administration of Henry Seriake Dickson, these appointments are not commensurate with the contributions and sacrifices of Yenagoa Constituency I to the development of Bayelsa State.