BREAKING NEWS: Diri’s aide resigns, openly expresses support for NDC

A media aide to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has resigned his appointment as special assistant on new media, amid indications that he may be aligning with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The aide, Patrick Spiff, announced his resignation in a letter dated 29 May and addressed to the governor. The Office of the Secretary received the letter from the State Government on 1 June.

In the letter, which he later posted on Facebook, Mr Spiff did not state the reason for his resignation.

“I am writing to formally resign my position as special assistant to the Governor of Bayelsa State on New Media.

“I appreciate the opportunities, experience and support I have received during my time with the (state) government. It has contributed greatly to my professional growth, and I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I have gained,” he wrote.

Although Mr Spiff offered no explanation for his departure, his recent social media activities suggest he may have resigned to focus on the NDC.

A review of his Facebook page shows that he openly promoted the NDC while still serving in Mr Diri’s administration.

His profile picture shows him wearing an NDC-branded T-shirt, while several posts predicted the party’s electoral victories in Bayelsa.

On 26 May, he wrote: “There is nothing those in Creek Haven can do. NDC will produce the next governor of Bayelsa State.

The reference to “Creek Haven” is widely understood to be the Bayelsa governor’s official residence.