Bayelsa Governor Accused of Recruiting Spies to Monitor Rival’s Movements
The governorship race in Bayelsa State, Nigeria has taken a controversial turn as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Timipre Sylva, accused the incumbent governor, Senator Douye Diri, of employing spies to monitor his movements. Sylva alleges that these spies, stationed across the state and particularly at the Bayelsa International Cargo Airport, have been instructed to document and report his activities to undisclosed security personnel within the state.
In a statement issued by Sylva’s Special Adviser for Media and Publicity, Julius Bokoru, it is claimed that the covert operation is being coordinated by a close security aide of Governor Diri with the intention of compromising Sylva’s security convoy. The former governor asserts that this strategy of violence and underhanded practices by Diri reflects his desperation and failure in office.
Sylva’s call for action extends to both security agencies and the general public, urging them to be aware of Diri’s alleged acts of violence against him and the people of Bayelsa, particularly in Opu-Nembe. Meanwhile, Sylva emphasized that, instead of resorting to acts of espionage, Diri should focus on commissioning and inaugurating projects to demonstrate his achievements to the electorate.
Responding to the accusations, Governor Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, vehemently denied the claims made by Sylva. Alabrah pointed out that Diri is well-known for his peaceful nature and advocacy for politics without bitterness. He highlighted the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed during the February/March elections in Bayelsa, attributing it to Diri’s peaceful disposition and his efforts to foster a non-violent political environment in the state.
Alabrah dismissed Sylva’s allegations as baseless and suggested that the former governor may be projecting his own plans onto Governor Diri. Citing Sylva’s rejection by his own party members, as well as by the people of Nembe/Brass and the wider Bayelsa electorate, Alabrah characterizes Sylva’s accusations as the desperate ravings of a failed candidate.
The feud between Timipre Sylva and Senator Douye Diri adds further complexity and tension to the already highly contested governorship race in Bayelsa State. As the election date approaches, stakeholders eagerly await the outcome, hoping for a peaceful and democratic process that will bring about progress and development for the people of Bayelsa.
