Why Political Appointees’ Salaries Exceeded N1bn – Bayelsa Govt

The technical adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Treasury and Accounts, Timinipre Seipolu, has explained why the total salary expenditure for political appointees in the state recently rose to over N1 billion.

According to him, no political appointee in Bayelsa is placed on a fixed salary scale, as appointments are made based on specific administrative demands.

Speaking on Friday in Yenagoa during a transparency briefing for August and September 2025, Seipolu clarified that payments to appointees are guided strictly by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) policy, not by any arbitrary increase.

He said, “When people are appointed, they are paid salaries based on the RMAFC policy. We are still where we have always been in terms of salary levels. What changed is the number of appointees because some new boards were recently inaugurated.”

He further revealed that the state’s finances remain stable, noting that Bayelsa recorded a closing balance of N106.5 billion in August 2025 and N150.5 billion in September 2025, reflecting healthy revenue growth within the period.

Meanwhile, the commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Koku Obiyai, said the government is prioritising the health sector by approving the regular employment of health officers across the state.

Obiyai said the move became necessary due to the increasing number of medical workers leaving the country through the Japa syndrome.

She added that the “Prosperity Administration” led by Governor Douye Diri was determined to strengthen the health system and improve public service delivery.

“Even in the hospitals, we have clear employment because of the Japa Syndrome. When they leave, we replace them. The government values the health sector and is committed to ensuring hospitals are not understaffed,” she said.

The commissioner explained that the transparency briefings are part of the state’s effort to promote accountability and openness in governance, adding that the exercise allows Bayelsans to know how government revenues are received and spent monthly.

“We believe that transparency is a way of building trust. As a government, we believe that accountability is key. Citizens should be informed about how resources are spent and Governor Douye Diri is committed to completing all ongoing projects,” Obiyai said.

She listed some major projects currently ongoing across the state, including the Igbogene-AIT Ring Road, Glory Drive, Yenagoa-Oporoma Road, Ekeremor-Agge Road and the Polako-Sabagreia Road, noting that all are progressing steadily.

She also spoke on the state’s gas turbine power project, assuring that when completed, it would boost industrialisation and economic growth. According to her, the turbine installation is ongoing and would ensure that homes are metered and charged based on energy consumed.

The commissioner added that the government does not owe any contractors, as payments are made based only on verified work. She stressed that no new projects will be started until all existing ones are completed to ensure efficient resource management.

“We are working tirelessly to build a stable economy that benefits everyone. All Bayelsans should rally round the governor so he can finish strong and place Bayelsa on the global map,” she said.