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Tag: Diri

  • Bayelsa stakeholders urge Gov. Diri to join APC

    Bayelsa stakeholders urge Gov. Diri to join APC

    A political pressure group, the Concerned Bayelsa Stakeholders Forum (CBSF), has urged Gov. Douye Diri to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The group’s convener, Mr Wisdom Ikuli, made the appeal on Tuesday in Yenagoa, urging stakeholders to support the move to realign Bayelsa with the Federal Government.

    Ikuli, who is also Governor Diri’s Technical Adviser on Print Media, stated that CBSF is non-partisan and includes members from various political backgrounds, including non-indigenes.

    He said Bayelsa must urgently align with the APC, as many PDP figures allegedly conspired to deny Bayelsa and the Ijaws the Presidency in 2015.

    He alleged there are plans to exploit the PDP’s internal crises and litigations to invalidate candidates who emerge from the party ahead of future elections.

    Ikuli stressed that Bayelsa remains the only PDP state in the South South, now controlled by a few individuals who pose electoral risks for 2027.

    He revealed that the CBSF would soon begin daily street rallies in Yenagoa to urge Diri to consider defection to the ruling APC.

    Ikuli insisted that the governor’s defection is in Bayelsa’s best interest and should be considered non-negotiable and sacrosanct.

    He recalled that Ijaw leaders like Chiefs Dappa-Biriye and Melford Okilo advised alignment with the centre for development due to the region’s remoteness.

    Ikuli said past alignment with PDP, while it ruled nationally, enabled Bayelsa to produce both Vice President and President in Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

    He lamented that Ijaws are now excluded from top federal roles, including the Presidency, Vice Presidency, and Service Chiefs, weakening their political relevance.

    “in spite of their population and contribution, Ijaws remain marginalised due to lack of alignment with the ruling party,” Ikuli added.

    He argued the Ijaws, which contributes over 65% of Nigeria’s oil wealth, has become powerless because it isn’t aligned with the Federal Government.

    Ikuli explained that Nigeria’s North-South power rotation system, stressing the South must complete its eight-year turn under President Bola Tinubu’s current administration.

    He noted that Tinubu is committed to strengthening the South and has appointed several Ijaw sons and daughters into key positions.

    Ikuli appreciated Tinubu’s appointments, including Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri as Oil Minister and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as NDDC Managing Director.

    He also mentioned Chief Ebitimi Amgbare as NDDBA Managing Director and Preye Aganaba as Executive Director at the South South Development Commission.

    Ikuli thanked the President for approving federal takeover of the Nembe-Brass Road Second Phase, a key project linking Bayelsa to the Atlantic Ocean.

    He said this development shows Tinubu’s commitment to Bayelsa and urged the governor to show solidarity by joining Southern APC governors.

    Ikuli added that aligning with the federal government is crucial for realising the Agge Seaport, which will boost the economy and ensure prosperity.

  • Diri warns students against cultism at state varsity

    Diri warns students against cultism at state varsity

    Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri on Friday, gave a stern warning to students who engage in cult activities at the state-owned Niger Delta University (NDU) to withdraw from the institution or be expelled.

    The governor gave the warning during the NDU 7th Combined Convocation of the institution.

    NAN reports that recent incidents of students cult rivalry reportedly claimed lives in the community.

    It was the second time in a week that the governor had issued such warning.

    He gave a similar directive to security agencies in the state and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice on Wednesday during the State Executive Council meeting to speedily prosecute anyone arrested for cult-related crimes in Bayelsa.

    He restated his call on students to avoid cultism, stressing that there was no room for such activities in universities, but rather it is a place for character building and learning.

    He said: “Recently, I spoke to the Vice Chancellor about the resurgence of cultism in this university.

    “May I use this opportunity to warn those who did not come here for learning and character building to on their own withdraw.

    “There should be no room for cultism in this university. I have given the Vice Chancellor a charge as the Visitor to this institution, and as government.

    “I have also charged all security agencies in the state. Anyone found engaging in cultism in this university, they should not hesitate to apply the sanctions,” he said.

    Diri assured  the institution that 25 years after it was established by the Diepreye Alamieyeseigha administration, his government would actively contribute to the narrative that will shape it for the next 25 years.

    He said having done the groundbreaking of the 5000-seater convocation arena and the Faculty of  Environmental Sciences building before the ceremony commenced, the arena would soon be completed.

    He assured that under his administration, facilities in the institution will adhere to accreditation standards set by the National Universities Commission and the relevant regulatory boards.

    “As I reflect on this momentous occasion, my joy is indeed amplified by the knowledge that, as a government we are in our modest way actively contributing to the narrative that will shape the next 25 years in the institution.

    “It is notable that the Faculty of Environmental Science complex boasts a comprehensive range of facilities, featuring 24 classrooms, 18 design studios, six modeling studios, six workshops/laboratories, among others.

    Earlier, Prof. Allen Agih, thanked the governor for appointing him as the 5th Vice Chancellor of the institution and that it was his first convocation ceremony.

    The VC said 6,536 graduates took part in the ceremony, including 5,726 for Bachelor’s degrees with 69 First Class honours.

    There were also 810 higher degrees graduates, including 16 professional diplomas, 191 post- graduate diplomas and 458 Master’s degrees.

    Also, the Pro Chancellor, Dr. Matthew Seiyefa, said NDU had produced adequate manpower knowledge base that had contributed significantly to its growth and development.

    He noted that the institution had evolved to become the melting pot of ideas and initiatives, vital for navigating climate change and economic diversification.

  • Bayelsa gov sacks 27 aides for showing up at pro-Tinubu rally

    Bayelsa gov sacks 27 aides for showing up at pro-Tinubu rally

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has reportedly sacked 27 of his aides for attending a pro-Tinubu and pro-Wike rally organized by a political group known as the New Associates.

    The rally, initially scheduled for April 12, 2025, in Yenagoa, was intended to inaugurate the Bayelsa State chapter of the group and express appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for appointing Bayelsa indigenes to federal positions .

    Governor Diri had previously warned against the rally, expressing concerns that it could destabilize the state’s peace, especially given the political tensions in neighboring Rivers State.

    He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and security in Bayelsa and urged political actors to avoid actions that could incite unrest .

    In response to the governor’s concerns and the potential for political clashes, the New Associates postponed their rally to April 26, 2025. The group’s convener, George Turnah, stated that the decision was made out of respect for notable leaders and to ensure a peaceful environment for their event .

    The dismissal of the aides underscores the ongoing political tensions in Bayelsa State, as factions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and rival political groups vie for influence and control.

  • My administration not against rallies – Diri

    My administration not against rallies – Diri

    Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa has said his administration would always respect the fundamental human rights of every citizen and abide by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Diri stated this on Wednesday during the 158th state executive council meeting in Yenagoa.

    The governor said that the administration would not stop any group from holding rallies in the state.

    He however, emphasised that it would be unwise and counter-productive at a time lasting peace was being sought to address the political crisis in Rivers.

    He noted that Rivers and Bayelsa were sister states saying whatever happened in Rivers had a ripple effect in Bayelsa.

    Diri urged all well-meaning “Bayelsans” to work with the government in maintaining law and order in the state.

    His words: “Let me make this clear. We are not a government that goes against the rule of law.

    “We cherish and protect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And in so doing, we abide by every bit of the constitution.

    “A state of emergency has been imposed in Rivers state. President Bola Tinubu has the power to do so. All we can do from our end is to see how we can bring lasting peace to Rivers State.

    “Bayelsa and Rivers are sister states and whatever happens there has some degree of effect on our state and vice versa.

    “And then some persons say they want to hold a mega rally and all that here. We are not yet in a political season.

    ”l am not stopping anybody from exercising his fundamental human rights but as the chief security officer of the state and with information at my disposal, we must keep the peace of the state.

    “Nobody should come and rock the peace and security of this state”.

    He noted that the protocol for such rallies should be followed by first informing the state government just as the First Lady had done about her visit to Bayelsa on Thursday on the invitation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)”.

    The governor urged the people of the state to turn out en masse to accord the First Lady a rousing reception.

  • Wike’s mega rally: Diri’s security alarm baseless – Aide

    Wike’s mega rally: Diri’s security alarm baseless – Aide

    Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Public Communications and Social Media, says Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa’s security alarm over a rally is baseless.

    Diri had on Thursday raised an alarm over an alleged plan by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s supporters in Bayelsa to stage a mega rally and inaugurate the support group.

    Disturbed by the development, Diri warned that the state government would not condone any act that would disrupt the peace of the state.

    The governor advised security agencies, youths, elders and traditional rulers to be on the alert.

    Reacting, Olayinka in a statement in Abuja on Friday, said Nigerians were free to express their support for anyone, anywhere and anytime.

    The spokesman wondered why Diri, with all the security apparatus available to him could go on national television on mere suspicion of people planning a rally.

    According to him, it is within the right of Nigerians to hold a lawful rally.

    He added that if Wike was going to attend any political rally in Bayelsa or anywhere, he would inform security agencies himself.

    “It is surprising that a governor had to call the state’s Security Council and Bayelsa Elders Council meetings to discuss a suspicion of people planning a rally for Wike,” he said.

    Olayinka advised Diri to face the serious business of governance and stop raising a baseless security alarm over a rally.

  • Diri urges PDP to address its crisis

    Diri urges PDP to address its crisis

    Baysela State Governor, Douye Diri says it is time for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to look inward and address its internal crisis, in order to be vibrant opposition.

    Diri gave the advice in an interview with newsmen, shortly after the inauguration of the PDP South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee.

    He said it was easy for the PDP to point accusing finger at the ruling party or anyone but the party could only be vibrant,  if it solved its internal crisis.

    “The inauguration today was seen as a good step in the right direction. However, this is coming on the heels of allegations that the APC is influencing crises in some parties

    “But the main question now is, if the PDP will  serve as a ready and vibrant opposition going forward? We have to look inward. If you listen to the Board of Trustees chairman, we have to, first of all, fix our own problems.

    “It’s very easy for you to point these same fingers at people from outside but what is happening within us?

    “So, the PDP has to sit back and then fix its own internal issues and challenges, that is only when you can stand up to compete with others.

    “For me, I want the PDP to be competitive with other political parties. We are indeed, the oldest political party in Nigeria, so we have no reason to be accusing outsiders.

    “Let us look inward and fix our challenges and I’m sure by the time we do that, we will be out there to be very competitive.

    “The political will is with the people, the members of the party and we are all members of the party.

    “So, the moment we all come to that resolution, that we need to fix our party, there can be no one person that is bigger than the party,” Diri said.

    The governor, while describing the inauguration of the caretaker committee as a step forward, said the south-south zone of PDP had resolved to be united.

    “I will not say totally that the party has been restored but in our zone, you will agree with me that that’s the only zone where you have four governors of the PDP and we have all resolved and we are together in this.

    “Four of us, the deputy governor of Delta is here. I have just received messages from the governors of Akwa Ibom and Rivers. So, it shows that we are together.

    “If we are together, what we will do is to also show leadership and work with the zonal committee, so that our zone will be safe again for the PDP,” he said .

    Diri advised the zonal caretaker committee to look into every area assigned to it by the party’s National Working Committee, to bring the party in the zone together.

  • Gov. Diri rejects South-South PDP congress

    Gov. Diri rejects South-South PDP congress

    Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has dismissed reports of a congress held in Calabar. He said the national leadership rejected it and would set a new date.

    Diri made this known on Monday during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the party’s secretariat in Yenagoa.

    He stated: “Our party is thriving in Bayelsa State. We remain the party to beat. PDP has never lost here. If you seek relevance, you should join PDP.

    “PDP in Bayelsa is united and cannot be weakened. This party produced a Nigerian president from our state. It has also produced governors and federal legislators.

    “This party is strong at the state level and will remain so. Let us ignore rumours. Some aim to divide us, but they will not succeed.

    He clarified that no zonal congress took place in the South-South. The national leadership, in consultation with zonal leaders, would determine a new date at the right time.

    The governor assured that the PDP in Bayelsa remained intact and was the best platform for politicians aiming to achieve their ambitions.

    Diri reiterated that PDP had produced key office holders, including a former Nigerian president, and remained dominant in Bayelsa politics.

    He urged members to stay united and avoid distractions, emphasising the need for collective efforts to strengthen the party in the state.

    Diri further explained that the South-South zonal congress, initially scheduled for Feb. 22, was postponed by the National Working Committee.

    He revealed that the decision followed a request from the four South-South governors, who informed the party’s leadership that the date was unsuitable.

    Meanwhile, the people of Ogbia Local Government have apologised to the governor and the party for the actions of the suspended Zonal Legal Adviser, George Turnah.

    Speaking at the meeting, Ogbia Constituency 3 representative, Gabriel Ogbara, said the apology was necessary, as betrayal was not in the character of Ogbia people.

    Ogbara described Turnah’s actions as regrettable and pleaded for forgiveness, reaffirming Ogbia’s loyalty to the party and its leadership.

    The State Executive Council passed a vote of confidence in Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, affirming their leadership.

    The motion was moved by Oforji Oboku, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, and seconded by the State Assembly Leader, Monday Obolo.

    Earlier, State PDP Chairman, Solomon Agwana, praised Diri’s administration, citing its numerous development projects across Bayelsa as evidence of good governance.

    Agwana commended the governor for fostering unity within the party and urged continued support for the administration to ensure further development in the state.

    State PDP Secretary, Gesiye Isowo, also lauded Diri’s achievements, stating that his performance had made future election campaigns easier, given the many completed projects.

    In attendance were the deputy governor, and Ogbia Federal Constituency representative, Rep. Mitema Obordor.

    Also present were former deputy governors Rear Adm. Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd) and Werinipre Seibarugu, alongside PDP South-South Zonal Secretary, Prof. Felix Omemu.

    Local government chairmen and other key party stakeholders also participated in the meeting.

  • Diri approves N300,000 grant for Bayelsa law school students

    Diri approves N300,000 grant for Bayelsa law school students

    Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has approved the payment of N300,000 each to students from the state in all the law school campuses in Nigeria.

    Diri said this at a meeting with representatives of the Bayelsa State Law Graduates Forum on Saturday in Yenagoa.

    The governor was represented at the meeting by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN.

    Dambo said the approval reflected the governor’s commitment to the education of Bayelsans and would cushion the effect of current economic hardship on the students.

    The commissioner, who stated that the grant would aid their academic pursuit and improve their welfare, urged them to focus on their academic work in order to make the state and their families proud.

    Speaking on behalf of the students, Annabel Godspower, expressed their profound gratitude to the governor for approving the grant, saying the gesture was very encouraging.

    She expressed appreciation to the governor for his commitment to the educational pursuit of Bayelsans as well as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice for facilitating the process. (

  • Diri approves N80,000 new minimum wage for Bayelsa workers

    Diri approves N80,000 new minimum wage for Bayelsa workers

    Gov. Douye Diri, of Bayelsa, has approved N80,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the state’s civil service with effect from November 1.

    Diri also approved an increase in the monthly pension of retired workers as well as N7 billion to reduce outstanding gratuity liabilities.

    This is contained in a statement  issued on Sunday, by Daniel Alabrah, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor.

    He said Diri acknowledged the challenging times workers face in the state due to the rise in the cost of living.

    He said  the related consequential adjustments for the various sectors, as agreed with the leadership of labour in the state, would also be implemented.

    The statement read: “to address the harsh times and in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment Act 2024), the Prosperity Administration of governor Douye Diri has approved the sum of N80,000 as minimum wage for the state’s workers

    “Gov. Diri also approved an increase in the monthly pension of state retirees.

    “To further ameliorate the challenges of our retired senior citizens, His Excellency also approved the payment and reduction of the outstanding gratuity liabilities by Seven Billion Naira.”

    He said the governor appreciated the workers and their leadership for their understanding, patience and commitment to the policies and programmes of the administration.

  • Bayelsa: Diri gets Assembly’s nod to appoint more special advisers

    Bayelsa: Diri gets Assembly’s nod to appoint more special advisers

    Bayelsa House of Assembly has given approval to Gov. Douye Diri’s request to appoint additional 12 Special Advisers.

    The House, which resumed from recess on Wednesday, received three correspondences from the Executive, including the governor’s request for an approval to appoint 12 Special Advisers.

    The governor also requested for an approval of Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper as well as the screening and confirmation of two commissioner-nominees for the State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC).

    The protem Leader of the house, Wisdom Fafi, moved a motion for an approval for the governor to appoint more special advisers

    The motion was seconded by Tare Pori.

    The House, however, deferred the screening and confirmation of BYSIEC nominees and consideration of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper to the next legislative sitting.