High Chief (Amb.) Kevin E. Onakpoma-Tawari has petitioned the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, alleging abuse of office and harassment by the State Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibi.
In an open letter addressed to the Governor and made available to Niger Delta Herald, High Chief Onakpoma-Tawari appealed to the Governor to “call the Health Commissioner to order,” accusing him of using law enforcement officers to intimidate his wife, Mrs. Vanessa Kevin Tawari, a Yenagoa-based real estate operator.
According to the petition, Mrs. Tawari had facilitated the lease of a warehouse belonging to the Commissioner to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development. The Ministry allegedly failed to meet its rental obligations, triggering a dispute now before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Despite the matter being sub judice, High Chief Onakpoma-Tawari alleged that the Commissioner resorted to “unlawful self-help” by instigating the arrest of his wife at her workplace. He further alleged that she was compelled to pay the sum of ₦100,000 as “bail” under coercive circumstances.
“This disturbing conduct is unbecoming of a public office holder and capable of bringing disrepute to the administration of His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri,” the petition read.
The petitioner said such actions undermine public trust and violate the principles of justice and due process for which the Governor is widely known.
“When appointees of government begin to deploy intimidation and bullying tactics against citizens to settle personal disputes, it erodes confidence in public institutions,” he stated.
High Chief Onakpoma-Tawari urged Governor Diri to intervene urgently, adding that public office “is a sacred trust and not a weapon of oppression.”
As of press time, neither the Commissioner for Health nor the State Government had issued an official response to the allegations.