Cabinet Shake-up Imminent In Bayelsa
3 min read
John ODHE, Yenagoa
are anything to go by, then political appointees serving under the Prosperity Government in Bayelsa state led by Senator Douye Diri should be prepared to absorb any eventually.
We gathered that the Miracle Governor may have concluded plans to effect a major reshuffle of his executive cabinet that would affect not only a few.
According to a source who is abreast with latest happenings in Creek Haven, the governor is said to be wary of many of his cabinet members who are said to be bereft of developmental ideas to drive his prosperity agenda for Bayelsans.
The source hinted that the governor whom he described as development conscious is worried that if he continues with the current crop of members in his working team, it may be difficult for him to achieve his target before the expiration of the four-year tenure out of which a year and one month have already been consumed.
Another source told TNN that the governor has observed what he described as ‘divided loyalty’ amongst some members of his cabinet and had decided to do away with them and bring in new bloods with complete obedience to his government.
“Of course, you know the circumstances that led to the emergence of many of the members in the current cabinet. It was on the spur of the moment, to fulfil all righteousness.
“But His Excellency, the governor, as we all know, is a man who believes in action and positive results. He wants to work with those who wholeheartedly believe in his lofty policies. He wouldn’t have anything to do with mediocrity.
Anti Labour Practices: Nigerians In Shipping Firm Report Frenchman To Lagos CP
“I can tell you in authority that very soon, the governor will effect a major reshuffle of his working team and majority of the members of his cabinet will be affected,” the source said.
He, however, declined to speak further on whether the looming change of cabinet members was in connection with the alleged frosty relationship between the governor and his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, who is believed in some quarters to have influenced the appointments of majority of the Diri led cabinet members.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that the former governor, who is now the senator representing Bayelsa West
senatorial district is said to be averse to the way governor Diri is hobnobbing with his political foes, one of the reasons, we learnt, is fuelling perceived feud between the duo.
There are indications that the two political friends may have been somewhat estranged as a result of some alleged disagreements that are yet to be made public.
Dickson has unpretentiously distanced himself from any public event he perceives as possible meeting point for him and his successor, a situation that has further lend credence to the insinuations that all may not be well with the political father and son.
The most shocking and suspicious of all was Dickson’s conspicuous absence from the thanksgiving service organized by governor Diri to mark his miraculous Supreme Court victory and one year anniversary in which personalities like former president Goodluck Jonathan and governors from other states were in attendance.
But the ex-governor has repeatedly denied having any falling out with his successor, maintaining that his actions are deliberate and in consonance with his values and principles.
In a recent statement he personally signed, Dickson said “no one has a greater stake in the governor’s success than me. I am aware of the concerns raised about the distance I have kept since leaving office. This is deliberate and in consonance with my values and principles.
“While I was governor I took a conscious decision known to so many that whoever was going to succeed me was going to have the free hand to run his government with my full support. I am not one of those who believe that a Governor should be remote-controlled.
”A governor should be free to take actions and decisions to pursue programmes, projects and policies he believes in. A governor must be in charge and I have always encouraged Governor Diri to take charge and to also take responsibility at all time.
“In the process, where he deems fit, he can consult stakeholders for their inputs and advice and that the governor does with me and others.”
