In recent months, Bayelsa State has found itself shrouded not just in darkness but also in a cloud of discontent and helplessness. Hon. Maxwell Gabriel Morris, a critical stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa, voiced his profound sorrow for his state in a heartfelt post on Facebook: “I WEEP FOR BAYELSA MY STATE.” His words resonate with the frustrations of many residents who have endured an unprecedented blackout for nearly four months.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
The driving force behind Morris’s lament is a failed plea to the state government to address the dire electricity situation. Seeking to organize a peaceful protest, he hoped to encourage the government to empathize with the suffering populace and expedite the replacement of vandalized power towers or seek alternative solutions. However, rather than engaging with the grievances of the people, the government opted to resort to intimidation, stifling the voice of dissent before it even reached the streets.
The heavy hand of authority loomed over Morris, as he revealed that law enforcement agencies were alerted, and he and fellow citizens were threatened for their intentions to protest. The chilling experience of having his communications monitored turned the call for basic rights into a potential criminal offense. This atmosphere of fear was punctuated by the alarming betrayal from within his community, as some prominent individuals advised him against proceeding with the protest, branding it a destabilizing act against the state.
Morris’s concerns are emblematic of the broader struggle faced by Bayelsans, who are witnessing the degradation of essential services in a state rich with resources. The paradox of living in a state like Bayelsa, which is blessed with natural wealth yet bound in lapses in governance, highlights the urgent need for accountability and responsiveness from those in power.
Yet, in a twist of fate, hope flickers as Morris anticipates a peaceful rally, being organized by the New Associates group, scheduled for April 12, 2025. The event, which aims to peacefully demand change and accountability from the government, stands as a testament to the resilience of the people.
Hon. Morris has affirmed his support for this rally, expressing intent to monitor the developments closely.
As Bayelsa prepares for the rally, the atmosphere remains electric with anticipation. Will the government attempt to suppress the people’s calls for change once more, or will they finally respond to the long-standing grievances of their constituents? The roadmap for the state’s future may well depend on the outcome of this gathering of voices, united by a common goal: the restoration of basic rights and services that have been shamefully neglected.
The struggle of Bayelsa is not just about darkness; it is about the darkness of silence that envelops the voices of the people. It is a call to action—a reminder that the power of the collective voice, when raised in unity, cannot be easily extinguished. With leaders like Hon. Maxwell Gabriel Morris emerging to spearhead movements of resistance, there is hope that light may yet return to Bayelsa, not just in the form of electricity but in the restoration of dignity and democratic rights for all its citizens.
As we watch and await the unfolding events, one thing remains clear: the people of Bayelsa will no longer stand in silence. They weep, they rally, and they will demand change. Okpari ohhh!!!
Kindly share
