The Bayelsa Progressives Youth Movement (BPYM), a youth group under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has warned against alleged plans by the Bayelsa State government and some individuals with federal influence to take over surveillance contracts belonging to loyal members of the party.
In a statement by its secretary, Jordan Ebifatei, the group said the move was politically motivated and targeted at punishing members of the APC who have remained loyal to former Governor Timipre Sylva.
Ebifatei expressed concern that respected party members like Mr Joshua Maciver and Chief Kojo Sam were being singled out for victimisation despite their major role in maintaining peace and security in their areas.
“These individuals, whose only known offence appears to be their steadfast loyalty to the former minister of State for Petroleum Resources, His Excellency Chief Timipre Sylva, have been instrumental in maintaining peace and order within their respective operational areas.
“Any attempt to wrest these contracts from them, if true, would represent not only an act of political victimisation but also a direct threat to the economic stability of hundreds of Bayelsa youths who rely on these engagements for their survival,” he said.
Ebifatei said such actions could worsen existing political tension in Bayelsa and undermine peace in the state.
He noted that with Governor Douye Diri in charge of the state government and Senator Heineken Lokpobiri holding a key federal position, there was no need to target smaller contracts that help sustain local livelihoods.
“It would therefore be disappointing, and indeed unnecessary, for individuals in such privileged positions to seek control over the modest enterprises that sustain many ordinary citizens,” he said.
The APC youths urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure fairness and prevent any action that could disrupt peace and economic stability in the state.
“We urge all actors to remember that the essence of leadership is service, not conquest, and that governance should never descend into a zero-sum contest of personal interests,” Ebifatei stated.
