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Tag: Gov. Douye Diri

Together, we have seen the fruits of our labour -Diri
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, at a valedictory session on Wednesday, formally dissolved the state executive council following the expiration of his first term on February 14, 2024.
Governor Douye Diri
The dissolution came one week after he was sworn in for a second term.
Governor Diri made the pronouncement during the 128th session of the council in Government House, Yenagoa.
The governor in a statement by his interim Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, congratulated the former cabinet members for their dedication to duty, sacrifice and selfless contributions in delivering his mandate and in development of the state.
He also commended them for their resilience, solidarity and faith, which he said served as inspiration to the government in surmounting challenges and in positively impacting the lives of people of the state.
He said: “Together, we have seen the fruits of our labour. We have worked to uplift communities, addressed issues and brought about meaningful change in our dear state.
“I wish to congratulate all cabinet members for your service not only to me but to our state. I acknowledge your dedication and sacrifice since our inaugural meeting. Whereas you have encountered numerous challenges and obstacles, our solidarity, faith, resilience have been a source of inspiration to overcome.
“Our collective efforts have touched the lives of countless individuals offering them hope, opportunities and a brighter future. Without being vainglorious, we can say we have accomplished much together in these four years.”
Governor Diri also said it was gratifying that the administration’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed as it had received recognition and praises from both within and outside the state.
He expressed delight that as a team they made giant strides in key sectors, building legacy projects and initiating life changing programmes and policies, which endeared his administration to the people.
“We have improved the conditions of our people, created the foundation for even more profound interventions. We can rightly be proud of the legacy of peace, security and unity that have defined the polity of Bayelsa State.”
The governor equally appreciated those that graced his second term inauguration, including President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai, represented by Vice Jeremiah Koung as well as former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, his brother-governors among other dignitaries.
Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo
In his remarks, the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, also congratulated the former commissioners for their contribution to development of the state and assured the people of the state of more development in the governor’s second term.
Former Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, and some of the former commissioners poured encomiums on the governor and thanked him for the privilege to serve the state.
Ekeuwei appreciated Governor Diri for his love and peaceful disposition, which translated to the achievements recorded by the administration.
Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei
The former Commissioner for Finance, Maxwell Ebibai, noted that the governor was fair to all parts the state as projects were evenly distributed in the first term.
Also, the former Sports Commissioner, Daniel Igali, thanked the governor for providing the right direction and leadership that resulted in the successes achieved in all the ministries.
The former Commissioner for Transportation, Grace Ekiotenne, who was quite emotional in her remarks, described Governor Diri as a humble man that impacted so much on the team members.
Grace Ekiotenne
She said: “I want to thank you my father, the very simple and kind-hearted father, Governor Douye Diri, and his workaholic deputy governor for giving me and other members of our senatorial district the opportunity to serve the state.
“I thank you because you made our job very easy. When I first got into Exco, if you recall, I was a bit apprehensive. I think I have learnt a lot. So also my colleagues from our senatorial district. We learnt very quickly on the job.
“I also believe in you and your deputy governor that what you have done and what Bayelsans have seen in the past four years are just the tip of the iceberg. I believe you are going to do great things.
“You should not be distracted by sycophants and I believe you will not because all the time, my husband, Henry Seriake Dickson, tells me that you can never change. He saw something in you and that was why he picked you.
“As for the deputy governor, who is like a younger brother to him, he saw something good in both of you and that is the truth.
“So, your excellency, I wish you all the best. I know you are going to make God Almighty, Bayelsans and also your age-long friend, my husband, proud.“
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February 22, 2024
Congratulations to Governor Douye Diri on His 2nd Swearing-In
I heartily join Bayelsans and the international community in congratulating His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, on his colourful swearing-in as the 6th Executive Governor of Bayelsa State for a well-deserved second term.
Governor Douye Diri
The achievements of your administration during your first tenure have given Bayelsans ample reasons to believe that you will accomplish even more in this second term, as you proclaimed in your swearing-in ceremony.
I continue to pray that Almighty God, who placed you in this position, will bless you with more wisdom, protection, and peace as you lead the great people of Bayelsa State to even greater heights.
Congratulations, Your Excellency!
Hon. Robinson Ere Erebi
Special Assistant to the Governor (Special Duties)
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February 15, 2024
Bayelsa Excited for Diri’s Second Term Inauguration
*Governor Appreciates God For Electoral Victory
Bayelsa State residents are upbeat as events marking the second tenure Inauguration of Governor Douye Diri kicked off on Sunday with a thanksgiving service.
Thousands of beautiful dressed Bayelsans thronged the state’s Ecumenical Centre at Igbogene in appreciation to God for the governor’s victory in the November 11, 2023 poll.
Senator Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, will be sworn in for another term on February 14, 2024.
Speaking during the thanksgiving service, the governor expressed gratitude to God for his victory in the November election, saying without His intervention, it would not have been impossible.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying that God delivered Bayelsa from the hands of those who wrongly use power.
Diri thanked people of the state for standing by him throughout his first tenure and during the election,
The state’s helmsman assured that he will not rest on his first term achievements but will do more in the next four years while appealing for their usual suppprt.
His words: “Our duty here is to thank God for the victory He gave us. If not for him we would not have emerged victorious. I thank God for delivering this state from the hands of those who use it for evil.
“I also thank God for the peace, unity and love in Bayelsa State. Thank you all for your support. We will continue to serve you.”
In their goodwill messages, a former Acting Governor and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Werinepere Seibarugu, immediate past deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), and member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Dr. Fred Agbedi, who spoke on behalf of the House of Representatives Caucus, all described the governor’s victory as divine and lauded his performance in office in his first tenure.
The trio expressed optimism that he will perform better during his second tenure and urged people of the state to support him.
In his sermon, Presiding Overseer of the House of Grace International Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, said Diri was chosen by God who chooses leaders.
Zikiye-Aggrey stressed that the thanksgiving was not only for the governor but for the entire state because of God’s mercy towards Bayelsa.
Dignitaries in attendance included wife of former Nigerian president, Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of the first civilian of the state, Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, Senator representing Kaduna South, Sunday Katung, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce. as well as Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere and members of the state legislator.
Other National Assembly members, former Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, were also present as well as service commanders, traditional rulers, religious leaders among others.
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February 12, 2024
Bayelsa Governor Receives Title of Izon-Ibe-Sibeowei 1 from Delta Monarch
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, was on Saturday conferred with the chieftaincy title of Izon-Ibe-Sibeowei 1 of Tuomo Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Conferring the title, which means “the man that carries the whole of Ijaw nation,” the Ebenana-Owei of Tuomo Kingdom, HRM Justice Francis Tabai, said after due consultation with his council of chiefs, they decided to honour the governor for being a true leader of the Ijaw people.
The event was part of the activities marking the fifth coronation anniversary of the retired Justice of the Supreme Court, who ascended the throne as the Pere Esuku I of Tuomo Kingdom in 2018.
Speaking after the conferment, Governor Diri said he was happy to be associated with the renowned jurist whose personality cuts across the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
The governor noted that it was a great privilege to be honoured by a legend like the retired Justice, who is highly revered by the Ijaw stock despite the artificial and administrative boundaries that balkanised the people into different states.
He, however, stated that it does not change the fact that both states of Bayelsa and Delta share similarities in language and culture.
Diri emphasised that regardless of the boundaries that separated the Ijaws into Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, the people should imbibe the spirit of oneness, love and unity.
Eulogising the Tuomo monarch, the Bayelsa governor said he met him before Bayelsa was created in 1996 and had known him as one with the true Ijaw blood.
He said Tabai had always played pivotal roles silently in protecting, promoting and developing the Ijaw nation and that he was not surprised at his decision to retire and return home to be king of Tuomo.
His words: “We are celebrating a man that has added value not only to his life but also to the people of Tuomo kingdom and his state. In the days of the old Rivers State, then Bayelsa and even now Delta, we celebrated a legal icon, who is now a Royal Majesty.
“I am very happy to see this crowd celebrating the living legend and I think that other clans should copy Tuomo clan.
“The personality of Justice F. Tabai, as I said earlier, cuts across our Ijaw ethnic nationality, across the Tuomo Kingdom, and the states of Delta and Bayelsa. I believe that coming here to celebrate him puts a lot of thoughts on our minds, particularly those of us of the Ijaw stock.
“We have artificial and administrative boundaries as enunciated by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Yes, we accept them.
“Administratively, Tuomo is in Delta but by language and culture we are all ijaw people. We remain Ijaws whether you are from Delta, Ondo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo or Bayelsa. We remain as one and that is the spirit that brought me here. And I believe that every one of us will continue to imbibe that spirit.”
He promised that a one kilometer concrete road will be constructed in the community and that he would consult with his Delta counterpart, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on issues of common interest such as a bridge to connect both states from the Bolou-Toru axis.
He equally thanked Governor Oborevwori for carrying the Ijaws along in terms of development and appointments and appealed to him to do more, as the Ijaws had always supported and embraced leaders irrespective of tribe.
Earlier, King Tabai thanked those who graced the event, stating that their goodwill, support and love demonstrated by their presence meant a lot to him.
The Tuomo monarch said the conferment of titles on deserving personalities was in recognition of the important roles they played in the development of not only Tuomo Kingdom but also in the advancement of the Ijaws
He also acknowledged both present and past leaders of Delta in the area of human and infrastructure development, particularly the Bomadi bridge constructed by former Governor James Ibori, which he said had attracted other forms of development and enhanced the livelihood of the Tuomo people.
Speaking on behalf of other recipients, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori appreciated the monarch for the honour bestowed on him as the Ebe-di-Owei of Tuomo and promised to always identify with the traditional stool and people of the kingdom.
Oborevwori, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, described the title as a blessing from the royal father.
Also honoured with special titles were Pa Edwin Clark, former governors Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan as well as Dr. Barry Peregbe and Professor Andy Egwuyenga.
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February 12, 2024
Lokpobiri: Hope Not Lost On Atala Oilfield’s Return To Bayelsa
*Says State More Polluted Than Ogoniland
*Diri Assures On Collaboration To Stem Oil Theft
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has said there is still hope that the revoked licence for OML 46 (also known as Atala Oilfield), belonging to Bayelsa State, will be returned to the state.
The Federal Government through the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources had in controversial circumstances revoked the licence in April 2020 when another son of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva, was the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
But, Senator Lokpobiri, during a visit to Governor Douye Diri on Tuesday night at the Government House, Yenagoa, expressed regrets that the Atala oilfield, a common patrimony of the state, was taken away.
The Minister said he would do everything within his power to bring back the asset.
He explained that his visit was to seek collaboration with the state government to address issues concerning Bayelsa and for the state to reap the dividends of democracy.
He said the menace had resulted in the reduction of revenue from the federation account to oil producing states, adding that Bayelsa had zero derivation for about four months in 2023.
The Minister congratulated Governor Diri on his re-election and sought the government’s partnership to curb pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
Lokpobiri also expressed concern over the level of pollution caused by illegal bunkering activities, noting that if the trend was not checked, it could be an existential threat.
He said: “Bayelsa State is more polluted than Ogoni in Rivers State and we are the only people that can put a stop to it. We need to do something to protect our water and land resources.
“It is also important to note that illegal refineries affect the income of our state. The governor can attest to the fact that derivation money has been dwindling. There was zero derivation for months. We are changing our security archetecture to one that could be more effective. So, we need to work together to change the narrative.”
Responding, Governor Douye Diri congratulated Lokpobiri on his appointment and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for appointing a worthy son of Bayelsa as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
Diri assured the federal government of his administration’s preparedness to partner with it to check oil theft and illegal bunkering, which had adversely affected the ecosystem.
He stressed the need to involve governors of the Nigeria Delta states working together to stamp out the menace.
He said: “We want to see the positive impact of your office. We are on a new journey to change the trajectory of your office. That is why l am pained that it was in your time that the office was balkanized. Bayelsa has more gas than oil. So we would have been happier if you were presiding over gas as well.
“We need more exchange of ideas. Today, you have given us hope. You have assured me that Atala oilfield will come back to Bayelsa.
“I believe that you will right a lot of wrongs done to our people. No Bayelsa man has an oil mining licence and the only one we had was taken away by our own son.”
While urging Lokpobiri to partner with the state government to explore ways of attracting development to the state, Diri bemoaned the situation where the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Company in Bonny, Rivers State, receives 60% of its gas from Bayelsa but the company pays tax to Rivers.
He noted that Bayelsa was deprived of legitimate income and taxes while being erroneously rated as financially insolvent.
The governor restated his position that the real viability of states can only be determined when the country practises fiscal federalism and resource control.
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January 4, 2024
Impact Of Climate Change In The Niger Delta
By Douye Diri
Let me, on behalf of the delegation from Bayelsa State, commend the United Nations Convention for Conserving River Deltas (UNCCRD) and the government of the United Arab Emirates for the successful hosting of this landmark event. That we can gather in this picturesque city of Dubai from all over the world at this time underscores our sense of commitment and determination to save our planet.
I must state, as earlier underlined by the leader of the entire Nigerian delegation, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that the new global compact, which is emerging from COP 28, gives us all hope for a better tomorrow. This is why I join leaders, especially of sub -nationals, from some of the most vulnerable and impacted communities, the DELTAs, to re-echo a clarion call. We need little activism to restate that the world’s deltas and wetlands are increasingly facing extinction.
From my own Niger Delta, the impact of climate change continues to wreak unimaginable havoc on our environment, ecosystem, and human resources. Unlike other regions of planet Earth, our plight is confounded from both ends, creating a case of “double jeopardy.”
On the one hand, rising incidents of flooding and land degradation from torrential rain falls and inland water systems are common places. In recent years, such mobster floods, rising unimaginable levels, have left footprints in my home Bayelsa State, and many other places in the Niger Delta in Nigeria. Such specific reports have also come from other river deltas across the world.
Ladies and Gentlemen, matters are sadly worsening by the spectre of rising sea levels, which has severally been discussed at various sessions during this conference. Clearly a product of human activities, resulting in depletion of ozone layers and resultant melting of glacier water, the ocean waters around our coastal areas are swelling daily.
The oceans around our deltas have therefore continued to mount an unprecedented assault on our fishing ports, villages, and towns. In the past few years, at least twenty (20) of our coastal communities in my state have become almost submerged or lost a substantial amount of land to the surging and rising sea waters. These include Agge, Akassa, Agoro, Brass, Ekine, Ezetu, Foropa, Kolokuma 1 & 2, Odioama, Okpoma, etc.
According to the scientific reports from our experts, between 1991 and 2018, the shorelines of Bayelsa, its neighbours , Rivers State and Akwa Ibom State, witnessed considerable retreat and erosion, with respective measurements of 81,532 metres, 17,519 metres and 8,590 metres. The rates of shoreline migration and erosion were recorded at 11.1 metres per year, 7.2 metres per year and 5.5 metres per year.
In the context of erosion along the Nigerian coast, Bayelsa alone accounted for 66.6% of the erosion and shoreline retreat, while Rivers and Akwa Ibom contributed 14.43% and 10.63%, respectively.
In October 2022, my State encountered devastating floods, resulting in the near submersion of the entire state, including its capital city, Yenagoa. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria and Representative of the Secretary General, Mr Matthias Schmale, at my invitation, visited Bayelsa and accompanied me on a tour of some of the flood-impacted communities. At the end of the tour, he observed, and I quote: “What I saw reminded me of the images I saw of Pakistan; and the world took note of that. This is a crisis of major proportion that deserves everyone’s attention.”
Individuals lost their lives, homes, farmlands and livelihoods. As a government, we could not turn a blind eye to the myriad of challenges and sought proactive solutions. This has rendered governance more financially burdensome, an issue that warrants global focus and intervention. As leaders, it is incumbent upon us to devise effective short and long term solutions such as sustenance, shelter, alternative educational facilities for children, and the protection of vulnerable members of society, particularly the girl child.
During my visits to affected communities, I recognized the urgency in managing our deltas, water bodies, sea-level rise, biodiversity, and the consequential livelihood losses of our mangroves, as well as the pollution of our deltas. These endeavours will significantly contribute to addressing food insecurity, hunger, migration, and the associated settlements and conflicts.
Projections indicate that a one-meter rise in sea levels in Nigeria could compel up to 80 per cent of the delta’s population to seek higher ground just as flooded 18,000 km2 of land results in damages valued at US$9 billion, and necessitate the relocation of up to 3.7 million people. These alarming consequences of climate change are not limited to the Nigerian Niger Delta region but are shared by coastal deltas worldwide.
We also believe that this figure will be higher if inland deltas and hinterlands of existing deltas are included.
This is why we join in the “Deltas Unite” to cry to the rest of the world to work with us to address this situation. The government of Bayelsa State will, therefore, continue to support and give priority attention to all activities and programmes of Deltas Unite. While this effort at our end is directly domiciled in the Office of the Executive Governor, we will continue to assemble the best of technical, professional, and administrative expertise.
In this vein, I would like to announce the readiness of the government of Bayelsa State to host the Inaugural International Summit of the Deltas in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria in 2024. This will enable our various experts, who by the way have done incredible work so far, to further interface and articulate our common positions on the pertinent issues. Of outmost priority is the need to bring our plight to the front burner as a major thematic issue, especially a United Nations Convention for Conserving River Deltas (UN- CCRD).
The unveiling of the UNCCRD represents a pivotal step in our collective efforts.
It is imperative that we engage extensively with the United Nations and encourage more nations to endorse our coordinated initiative aimed at safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the millions of people residing in river and ocean-facing deltas. We cannot overlook the undeniable reality that the sustenance of a burgeoning populace hinges significantly on these deltas, encompassing crucial global climate change mitigation efforts.
Consequently, we must accord paramount importance to their preservation and governance. Our collaborative mandate following COP28 entails the operationalization of the UN Convention for Conserving River Deltas commencing next year.
We are compelled to seize this opportunity to safeguard the lives, cultural heritage, and sustenance of the millions reliant on our deltas for survival. Our deltas are not merely repositories of wealth but also hold the potential to substantially mitigate the multifaceted challenges posed by global climate change, aiming to achieve significant progress by 2030.
In addition, we cannot overlook the profound impact of oil pollution on our deltas, as evidenced in the damning findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission (BSOEC) Report. The report serves as a stark reminder of the environmental challenges stemming from oil pollution in our region. It is my firm belief that the newly unveiled United Nations Convention for Conserving River Deltas holds promise in addressing these pressing issues. Bringing all stakeholders together, including indigenous people and local communities, is the “game changer” in the management of our global deltas. The UNCCRD provides the right platform for citizens’ participation in the governance of their deltas.
I, therefore, encourage you not to relent in supporting the UNCCRD until it is operationalized.
Finally, permit me to appreciate the United Nations for providing us this platform to further engage and recognize the CCRD for the protection of our global deltas.
Thank you all for listening.
*Being an address by His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, during the unveiling of the United Nations Convention for Conserving River Deltas (UNCCRD) at the COP 28 i. Dubai on December 4, 2023
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December 5, 2023
Diri Urges Global Action On Coastal Erosion in Bayelsa Communities at COP28
*Offers To Host Summit on River Conservation
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday, took his campaign against the threats of ocean surge, coastal erosion, environmental pollution and their related impacts to the global stage.
Speaking during the United Nations Convention for Conserving River Deltas (UN-CCRD) unveiling session of the ongoing Climate Change Summit (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Governor Diri solicited global concerted efforts to address the effects of oceanification and climate change on Bayelsa coastal communities.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying that in the past few years, no fewer than 20 coastal communities in the state had almost been submerged or lost substantial amount of land to ocean surge and rising sea waters.
He said the communities include Agge, Akassa, Aghoro, Brass and Ekeni.
According to the governor, “scientific reports from our experts indicate that between 1991 and 2018, the shorelines of Bayelsa, its neighbours, Rivers State and Akwa Ibom State, witnessed considerable retreat and erosion, with respective measurements of 81,532 metres, 17,519 metres and 8,590 metres. The rates of shoreline migration and erosion were recorded at 11.1 metres per year, 7.2 metres per year and 5.5 metres per year respectively.
They also include Ezetu, Foropa, Koluama 1 & 2, Odioama and Okpoama among others.
“In the context of erosion along the Nigerian coast, Bayelsa alone accounted for 66.6% of the erosion and shoreline retreat, while Rivers and Akwa Ibom contributed 14.43% and 10.63% respectively.”
Diri noted that climate change continues to “wreak unimaginable havoc” on the Niger Delta of Nigeria and on its environment, ecosystem, and human resources.
“Unlike other regions of planet Earth, our plight is confounded from both ends, creating a case of “double jeopardy.” We need little activism to restate that the world’s deltas and wetlands are increasingly facing extinction,” he said.
The Bayelsa helmsman called on leaders to devise effective short and long-term solutions such as “sustenance, shelter, alternative educational facilities for children, and the protection of vulnerable members of society, particularly the girl child.
“These endeavours will significantly contribute to addressing food insecurity, hunger, migration, and the associated settlements and conflicts.
“This is why we join in the “Deltas Unite” (campaign) to cry to the rest of the world to work with us to address this situation.”
He said the government of Bayelsa State will continue to support and give priority attention to all activities and programmes of Deltas Unite.
“In this vein, I would like to announce the readiness of our government to host the Inaugural International Summit of the Deltas in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria in 2024. This will enable our various experts, who by the way have done incredible work so far, to further interface and articulate our common positions on the pertinent issues.“
December 5, 2023
Mama Appah Gave Her Best To Humanity, Says Gov Diri
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has eulogized the late Madam Priscilla Preye Appah, describing her as a mother who gave her best in service of humanity.
Gov. Douye Diri
Governor Diri spoke on Saturday at her funeral service at the Cathedral (Anglican) Church of St Mark’s in Kaiama, headquarters of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.
Mama Appah, who is mother of broadcast journalist, Ovieteme George, died at 87 years on September 21, 2023.
Senator Diri said as a well-trained and experienced midwife and teacher, she made society a better place by her dedicated service while also inculcating the proper moral values in her children, which he said are evident in Ovieteme George that is positively impacting society.
Ovieteme George
The governor lamented the dearth of proper values in society, urging parents to impart the right values in their children so that they can make society a better place.
He also implored Bayelsans to emulate the good qualities of the deceased, who gave her best to humanity as a teacher and nurse.
He said: “Lying in state here is a quintessential mother that can be likened to the woman described in Proverbs 31.
“The lesson to all of us is that we need to bring up our children in a way that motherly love will not depart. I am sure she gave her best.
“To all humanity, she has given her best and has left children that are able to contribute to the development of society
“Unarguably, she contributed immensely to the nursing profession. We thank God for the life and times of this great woman.”
Describing the deceased as one of his greatest supporters, Governor Diri said Mama Priscilla died a fulfilled woman following his re-election.
“Mama was one of my greatest supporters. Mama was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. Each time I contested election, I visited the Appah family. After finishing with the rest of the family, I went to her and she would give me words of encouragement. She will always tell me to go and win the election. I believe that to an extent, she died a fulfilled woman.
“As a party, we need to honour the late Priscilla Appah. She was one of us. She stood by us at all times
On behalf of a very grateful government, we bid you farewell.”
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for the Lord to comfort the bereaved families.
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November 26, 2023
Diri Celebrates Jonathan at 66
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a unique and quintessential democrat and statesman.
Governor Diri, who eulogised Dr. Jonathan in a congratulatory message on his 66th birthday, said the former Nigerian leader carved a niche for himself through his glowing and exemplary democratic credentials.
In the message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Sunday, the Bayelsa governor said Jonathan remains an unrivalled pride of not only the state but also of Nigeria and indeed the African continent.
“Your credential as a global democracy ambassador and icon is outstanding.
“You have become a symbol of hope to nations and individuals by your exemplary conduct in public life.
“As a people and as a state, we are fortunate to have produced a leader like you that the whole world is proud of. We remain indebted for your lofty ambassadorial profile. The Government and People of Bayelsa State celebrate this moment with you and your family.”
While praying for greater grace and more years to celebrate his exceptional life of service, Governor Diri noted that Jonathan’s genial nature and forthright leadership attributes were worthy of emulation by younger generation of leaders.
He thanked the former President for his peerless support, saying his guidance and wise counsel have greatly contributed to the peace and stability of Bayelsa State.
“We pray for more fruitful years of quality service to humanity in good health,” said Diri.
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November 20, 2023
Sen. Diri Calls for Legislation Against Vote-Buying
*Commends INEC For Rejecting Voodoo Votes
*Dickson Congratulates Diri
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has canvassed for legislation to check the menace of vote-buying as part of measures to safeguard the country’s electoral system.
Diri stated this on Tuesday at his country home, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area when his predecessor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Chief Seriake Dickson, paid him a visit to formally congratulate him on his re-election for a second term.
In a statement made available to Erevision MediaTV by his ChieChief Press Secretary Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the Bayelsa Governor condemned the act of vote-buying, describing the development as part of the country’s electoral process that was faulty.
He called on stakeholders to work collectively in addressing the menace in order to prevent politicians that do not mean well for the state to hijack the process.
“For me, that is part of our electoral process that is very faulty. I like to urge our leaders, especially those that are in the National Assembly, to propose a bill that can solve this problem of vote-buying because it is becoming a very big problem here in Bayelsa State”.
“So we all need to put our minds together to see how we can address this issue because that is the only way we can prevent politicians who do not mean well for the state from having access to political power”, he said.
Diri thanked Bayelsans for renewing his mandate to serve them for another four years.
In his remarks, Senator Seriake Dickson said he led a delegation of the Bayelsa West Senatorial District to congratulate Diri on his well-deserved victory.
He noted that in securing a second term, the governor has four more years of stability to consolidate on his development agenda for the state.
According to Dickson, “just as the people of Sagbama-Ekeremor senatorial district supported you in 2019 election, they did it again this time and they are still assuring you of their support in this fresh mandate.
“There is high expectations from the people and we know and trust that you will bring it about. You have taken the road to Ekeremor and we also expect that you will start the road to Agge. Power means nothing if it does not bring about development, peace and prosperity.”
Also on Tuesday night, during a live Channels Television political programme, the re-elected Bayelsa governor applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for cancelling and rejecting questionable ballot figures earlier returned for Nembe local government area in Saturday’s poll.
Diri lauded the electoral umpire for insisting on the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to protect the integrity of the election.
He said the BVAS device was fully deployed during the election just as there was prompt distribution of sensitive and non sensitive materials across the state.
He said: “The electoral umpire did well and l want to believe that this is one of the best elections it has conducted where the BVAS was brought to full test and we saw that wherever it was bypassed, all parties were scored zero.”
Making reference to Nembe-Bassambiri community where the BVAS was bypassed, he said INEC entered zero votes for such areas.
The state’s helmsman noted that while the conduct of the election could be adjudged to be free, fair and transparent, it however was not perfect as it was human effort.
Comparing the conduct of the elections in Bayelsa to Kogi and Imo states, the governor noted that the terrain of Bayelsa was totally different from the two other states and attributed the delay in releasing results to the state’s difficult terrain.
“When there was hue and cry over the delay in releasing results, we understood that it was not that easy for election to be conducted and results stream in the way they could have in Kogi and Imo states.”
He also exonerated INEC from the violence and hijack of election materials that occurred in Bassambiri, stressing that the politicians were to blame.
“Rather than accusing the electoral umpire, l think that the politicians in Bayelsa should be accused. For instance, l just gave you an example of Bassambiri and the history of what happened there before the election.
“It is a place where my party’s supporters were chased out of the community, including the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. We tried to bring them back a day to the election but over 500 of them were prevented from entering the community.
“The intention was to ensure that no other party apart from APC went in there, which they succeeded and that led to the bypass of the BVAS so they can bring in voodoo votes from that part of the state.
“At the end of the day, everywhere you had proper voting, the votes that trickled in were in their very few numbers. But in Nembe-Bassambiri where BVAS was bypassed and there was no election, you saw figures of over 40,000 votes. The same applied to Okpoama in Brass local government area where the candidate of the APC comes from and you also had issues of violence and killing of a young PDP supporter recorded.
“So the issue is not much with the electoral commission but with the character of the kind of people l saw as my opponent in this election.”
When asked if he would extend a hand of fellowship to those who contested with him, Diri said: “I will extend my hand of fellowship to all those who contested with me. My maxim from day one when l took over the reins of power is, to show love where there is hatred and to give light where there is darkness.
“But l will not reach out to murderers. l will not reach out to very violent people. There must be a mindset to move away from the violence and murderous attitude of Timipre Sylva and those around him.”
On why he ran for a second term, Diri explained that he wanted to prove wrong critics that said he was a Supreme Court-made governor and that he could not win election in the state.
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November 16, 2023