Bayelsa East Politically Marginalized, Says PRP Chairman, Azibola Okala

…Calls on Bayelsa East to rise against systemic exclusion

Yenagoa - The former governorship candidate and Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Azibola Okala, has raised concerns over what he described as the deliberate marginalization and political sidelining of the Bayelsa East Senatorial District in the present political arrangement of the state.

Hon. Okala, while addressing newsmen in Yenagoa, lamented that the people of Bayelsa East, particularly those from Ogbia, Nembe, and Brass have been completely left out in the current power and resource distribution structure, despite their immense contributions to the political and economic growth of the state.

According to him, “The cheap political appointments given to people from the East are nothing compared to what they deserve. If you serve a government or system for years and cannot point to any tangible growth or development, then such service is not worth it.”

He expressed dismay that no strategic or critical position in the present administration is currently occupied by a person from Bayelsa East, describing the situation as both politically insensitive and dangerously unfair.

“The recent political maneuvering and power setups are all designed to deny Bayelsa East, particularly Ogbia the opportunity to produce the next governor of Bayelsa State. It is now very clear that the powers that be do not want anyone from the East to emerge as governor,” Okala said.

The PRP chieftain further warned that if the current political imbalance is not corrected, the people of Bayelsa East may remain politically disadvantaged for decades to come, a situation that could also trickle down into the civil service, education, and other key sectors of the state.

He therefore called on traditional rulers, political leaders, youth bodies, and opinion leaders from Bayelsa East to rise above partisan lines and demand equity, fairness, and inclusion in the governance structure of the state.

Hon. Okala recalled that during the leadership of notable figures from Bayelsa East such as Military Governor Alfred Diete-Spiff, civilian Governor Melford Okilo, and former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, development and governance were evenly spread across the state without bias or sectionalism.

“The act of political witch-hunting against the East must stop. History shows that some of the finest and most visionary leaders Bayelsa has produced came from the East; men and women blessed with grace and capacity for leadership. This current marginalization is therefore not only unjust but also a loss to the entire state,” he added.

Okala further urged the people of Bayelsa East to close ranks, strengthen their political unity, and begin early strategic mobilization towards ensuring their rightful place in the next political dispensation.

He maintained that the East, with its rich human capital, historical significance, and economic contributions, deserves more than tokenism and political patronage.

“This is not about politics of bitterness but about justice, equity, and a sense of belonging for every senatorial district. A state can only grow when all parts are given equal opportunity to contribute and benefit,” Okala concluded.

Bayelsa East Senatorial District, comprising Ogbia, Nembe, and Brass local government areas, has played a significant role in the political evolution of Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large. It produced the state’s first civilian governor, Chief Melford Okilo, and the country’s first president from the Niger Delta, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

Observers say the renewed agitation for political inclusion by leaders from the district may shape the dynamics of Bayelsa’s next electoral cycle.