Bayelsa Auctioneers Petition Governor Diri over Alleged Breach in State Asset Disposal Process, Demand Transparency and Inclusion
Yenagoa – June 25, 2025
Professional auctioneers in Bayelsa State have written to Governor Douye Diri, expressing concern over what they described as a growing disregard for due process and the state’s procurement laws in the disposal of government assets.
The auctioneers, under the umbrella of the Bayelsa State Auctioneers Association, in a letter jointly signed by the Chairman, Chief Tari Emberru, and Secretary, Mr. Jude Okoyen, decried the exclusion of the duly registered state chapter from recent asset disposal exercises. They accused unnamed non-indigenous actors of usurping the statutory responsibilities of licensed auctioneers in the state.
According to the letter, the association referenced the Public Procurement Repeal and Re-enactment Law of 2020, which outlines procedures for the disposal of public assets and the legal role of licensed auctioneers. The auctioneers maintained that their involvement is legally backed both at the national level and through pronouncements recognizing the role of state chapters in public asset auctions.
“Your Excellency,” the letter reads, “our association has existed and operated in Bayelsa State since the year 2000, conducting disposal of public assets in compliance with existing laws. However, recent developments have seen individuals — who are not Bayelsans and not members of our association — carry out midnight auctioneering exercises without recourse to the state chapter or the legal frameworks guiding such activities.”
They warned that such practices not only violate the law but also open the system to abuse, revenue loss, and undermine the objectives of the Prosperity Administration.
“The practice of auctioneering, when carried out in accordance with the law, contributes to wealth creation, maximizes value for the state, and aligns with your Prosperity Agenda,” the group stated.
The association also emphasized its long-standing working relationship with the Office of the Chief of Staff and the Secretary to the State Government, particularly in identifying, recovering, and disposing of obsolete and redundant government assets in a manner that benefits both the state and its people.
They urged the governor to initiate a thorough investigation into alleged unauthorized asset disposal activities and reaffirm the statutory role of the Bayelsa chapter of the Auctioneers Association.
“We respectfully and humbly crave your indulgence to cause an inquiry into these unauthorized auctioneering practices and reassert the powers of the State Chapter as guaranteed by law,” the letter concluded.
The petition highlights growing concerns over the integrity of public asset management in the state and seeks to restore transparency, professionalism, and legal adherence in the disposal of government properties.
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