Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has sounded the alarm over a potential plot to disrupt the peace in the state. He cautioned that his administration would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize Bayelsa, urging security commanders, community elders, youths, and traditional rulers to remain vigilant.
Speaking at separate meetings with the Bayelsa Elders Council and during the 37th session of the State Security Council on Thursday, Governor Diri specifically pointed to a planned mega rally and group inauguration linked to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. According to him, the event, if allowed to proceed, could spark unnecessary conflict in the state.
Bayelsa State
The governor further revealed that George Turnah, a suspended member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had been enlisted to create divisions within the party in Bayelsa. He emphasized that given the ongoing political tensions in neighboring Rivers State, such activities could heighten ethnic and political unrest in Bayelsa.
Governor Diri stated that his warning was necessary due to threats allegedly made by the FCT Minister to stir up trouble in PDP-governed states. “Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted,” he declared. He directed security agencies to stay alert and called on parents and traditional rulers to discourage their children and wards from being manipulated into causing unrest.
“We had in our party a renegade, who has decided to form a parallel PDP in Bayelsa, working with an ex-governor. The party in our state suspended him for gross misconduct, and for now, he is not a member of our party,” Diri explained. The governor made it clear that Bayelsa would not tolerate a faceless group trying to cause trouble. “This is not Rivers State. Bayelsa is the cradle of every Ijaw man. I have always said that being peaceful is not cowardice. We are very courageous and can stand up for the truth at all times.” He also issued a firm directive that all government-owned facilities in the state cannot be used for public events without official approval.
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In his engagement with the Bayelsa Elders Council, Governor Diri reassured senior citizens of the state that his administration would continue to manage resources responsibly. On the current electricity challenges, the governor explained that the blackout in some parts of Bayelsa was due to vandalized power transmission towers in Rivers State. However, he assured residents that his administration was working with relevant agencies to restore electricity soon. “We have already procured a gas turbine, and with that, Bayelsa will soon enjoy stable power supply,” he added.
As part of efforts to tackle unemployment, Governor Diri announced that the state government was in the process of employing 1,000 people into the civil service. “The recruitment process is already on, and I have been informed that about 36,000 applications have been received. This shows the level of demand, and while 1,000 jobs may seem small in comparison, it is a step in the right direction,” he said.
On the issue of teacher recruitment, Governor Diri disclosed that the previous exercise was canceled due to irregularities. A new committee, led by his Deputy Chief of Staff, has now been set up to conduct a fresh and fair recruitment process.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), who is also the state’s immediate past deputy governor, praised the governor for his strides in infrastructure development. Other notable figures present included King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former Military Governor of Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, and other respected leaders in the state.
The governor concluded by urging Bayelsans to continue preserving the peace in the state to ensure sustainable growth and development. Governor Diri’s warning comes at a critical time when political tensions in neighboring Rivers State are high. His firm stance on protecting Bayelsa’s stability reflects his administration’s commitment to peace and progress.
