In a move aimed at prioritizing the welfare of Bayelsa State residents, Governor Douye Diri has given the nod for the re-engagement of 704 personnel who were previously disengaged from three state-owned tertiary institutions. The affected individuals, who faced termination in 2018, were employees of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma (644), Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro College of Education, Sagbama (48), and the College of Health Technology, Otuogidi (12).
Governor Diri made this announcement at the Government House, Yenagoa, where he received the report from the committee assigned to investigate the disengagement of these staff members. The governor approved the committee’s recommendations, emphasizing the re-engagement of a majority of those laid off in alignment with the institutions’ needs. Furthermore, he sanctioned the settlement of their salary arrears and other entitlements, with the re-absorption taking effect in September, as recommended by the committee.
Addressing speculations surrounding the issue, Governor Diri clarified that his administration had been diligently working on resolving the matter, deterring any attempts to politicize the situation. He reiterated his unwavering commitment to the well-being of Bayelsans, pledging not to play politics with the lives of the state’s residents.
Expressing gratitude to the committee members for their thorough work and the affected individuals for their patience, Governor Diri remarked, “This has been one issue we inherited, and from when we came in, we had a lot of concern about what had happened. In 2022, I constituted a committee to look into the issues. Some people wanted to play politics with it, but they did not know that we were working on it quietly. Today, I am happy we have come to the end of this issue.”
The Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekewei, representing the committee, highlighted that the re-engagement recommendations were based on the needs of the affected institutions. He commended the governor for the opportunity to serve the state and praised the committee members for their dedication.
Mr. Lucky Brambaifa, Chairman of the Higher Institutions Joint Action Committee (HIJAC), expressed excitement over the resolution of the prolonged issue. He lauded Governor Diri for prioritizing workers’ welfare and ensuring relief for the reinstated staff of higher institutions.
