Bayelsa APC Youths Raise Alarm Over Alleged Political Victimization
Youth members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State have issued a strong warning against attempts to revoke surveillance contracts from party loyalists. The Bayelsa Progressives Youth Movement (BPYM), a pro-APC organization, expressed deep concern over what they describe as a coordinated effort by the Bayelsa State Government and federal interests to take over existing security contracts from legitimate party members.
Targeting Sylva Loyalists
In a statement signed by their Secretary, Jordan Ebifatei, on Friday, the youths revealed that the targeted contractors' only offense appears to be their unwavering loyalty to former Governor Timipre Sylva. The group specifically identified Mr. Joshua Maciver and Chief Kojo Sam as the primary targets of this alleged conspiracy, describing them as founding APC members who have devoted everything to the party.
The youths emphasized that these individuals have been instrumental in maintaining peace and order within their operational areas through their surveillance work. They argued that removing these contracts would not only represent political victimization but also directly threaten the economic stability of hundreds of Bayelsa youths who depend on these engagements for survival.
Economic and Political Consequences
The APC youth stakeholders expressed particular concern about the timing and potential consequences of such actions. They noted that Governor Douye Diri controls the state's administrative apparatus while Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, as Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), holds significant federal influence.
They described the alleged plot as reflecting an increasingly intolerant political culture driven more by insecurity and resentment than genuine public interest. The youths warned that allowing such actions would be deeply regrettable and could further inflame existing tensions in a state already struggling with economic and political strain.
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his office to ensure fairness and restraint in handling matters affecting peace, livelihood, and cohesion in Bayelsa. They emphasized that leadership should be about service rather than conquest and pledged to pursue every legitimate and peaceful avenue to resist any unjust or economically harmful action against their members.
