TECHNOCRATS, POLITICIANS REJECT BAYELSA JOBS – IT IS NOT TRUE - GOV

There were strong indications on Wednesday that some technocrats and politicians might have rejected Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva's offer to serve in his cabinet as commissioners. Our correspondent learnt that the development had thrown the Sylva administration into dilemma ahead of the 2012 governorship election.

Sylva had shortly after the April general elections dissolved his cabinet.

The governor swore in a first batch of nine commissioners comprising six old cabinet members and two fresh persons on July 14.

While conducting the ceremony, Sylva promised to forward a list of more commissioners to the state House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

However, over one month after the first batch of commissioners was sworn in, the governor had yet to appoint more cabinet officials.

The development was, however, blamed on the failure of the governor to persuade some notable persons who he was said to be banking on to boost his political image ahead of next year's election.

Sources close to the Government House claimed that such individuals had resisted the pressure from Sylva to serve in his cabinet.

It was learnt that while some persons were lobbying the governor to take up the vacant positions, technocrats and influential persons believed to be the target of the governor, had turned their back against him.

Such persons were said to have given the governor some excuses while they would not serve in the cabinet.

While some were said to have blamed their refusal on timing considering the forthcoming election, others were said to have refused to identify with the governor.

It was also learnt that some technocrats hinged their refusal on complaints by sacked commissioners that Sylva allegedly starved their ministries.

But the governor denied the development describing it as the product of mischief makers and rumour mongers.

Speaking through his Special Assistant, Media, Mr. Preye Wariowei, Sylva said it was untrue and baseless that some persons turned down the offers of the governor to serve in his cabinet.

He said, 'I don't believe that any right-thinking person, who has the interest of the people at heart would reject that kind of offer to render selfless service to Baylesa State. I think it is a mere rumour.'