The resignation of Jeremiah Perekeme Owoupele, the former technical adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Information and Strategy, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sparked demands for the state party leadership to step down.
In his resignation letter addressed to the chairman of Ward 5 in Ebedebiri, Sagbama local government area, Owoupele cited a series of events that undermined his faith in the party as the reason for his departure. He remarked that the party has been on a continuous decline, despite numerous efforts to address the issues within its leadership. Having contributed to the party’s growth and development, he can no longer accept the current situation and has chosen to leave. Owoupele’s exit has prompted immediate reactions from party members, with increasing calls for the state leadership to resign. Barr. George Turnah, a PDP chieftain, expressed disappointment over Owoupele’s departure, stating that the party has lost a dedicated member. He emphasized that this resignation reflects the dissatisfaction and frustrations felt by many within the party in Bayelsa State.
Barrister George Turnah noted that Owoupele’s resignation highlights significant problems within the party, particularly the ineffective leadership of the current State Working Committee. He criticized the lack of vision, inadequate reward systems, and neglect by the party’s leadership, which have driven committed members like Owoupele to seek other options. He added that Owoupele’s departure resonates with many young and dynamic supporters of the party who feel overlooked and disenfranchised. Turnah also pointed out that the leadership failures and authoritarian behavior of the current State Working Committee have fostered an atmosphere of impunity and illegality, contributing to the party’s diminishing influence in the state.
Turnah urged members of the State Working Committee to resign immediately to prevent further deterioration of the party. He stated, “Their incompetence, ineffectiveness, and numerous acts of impunity are unacceptable. For instance, their creation of a factional Ward Executive Committee for Ogbia Ward 9 and the unfair withholding of allowances from the legitimate Executive of that ward clearly violate our Party’s Constitution.” He also pointed out that filing multiple lawsuits against the party and its officials at the Bayelsa State High Court, without first utilizing available internal conflict resolution methods, highlights the disorder and division caused by ineffective leadership. “The time for change is now; we must focus on the interests of our party and its dedicated members,” he emphasized. In expressing support for Owoupele, Turnah called on all patriots to unite and work together to restore integrity and cohesion within the party, enabling the PDP to effectively fulfill its mandate and serve the people of Bayelsa State.
