The Bayelsa Rescue Movement, a socio-political group, has decried alleged political marginalisation of Bayelsa East senatorial district and parts of Yenagoa council area.

The group said the affected areas had contributed significantly to the state’s economic, political and social development, according to a statement by its spokesman, Kalas Nimitenbofa, on Wednesday.

It noted that Brass, Ogbia and Nembe council areas, which constituted Bayelsa East, remain critical to the state’s economic development, urging Governor Douye Diri to urgently address what it described as a pattern of political exclusion from key government and party positions.

The group also noted that Yenagoa, being the state capital and administrative headquarters, deserved adequate representation in political decision-making.

“This is not a demand for political patronage. It is a demand for fairness, inclusion, equity and a sense of belonging for every resident of the state,” said the group, pointing out that it wants equal treatment.

The BRM warned against concentrating critical political responsibilities in particular senatorial districts at the expense of other sections of the state, restating that the state government is not the preserve of any individual, family, political tendency or geographical bloc.

According to the group, Bayelsa is a common institution established for the benefit of all residents, irrespective of political affiliation or geographical location.

It added that persistent concentration of key appointments in certain areas could create exclusion and weaken confidence in equality.

The group stated that inclusive political arrangements characterised Mr Diri’s first tenure. It claimed that political imbalance had become more pronounced in the distribution of major appointments during the governor’s second tenure.

(NAN)