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Tag: Diri

  • Floods: Diri says 1m displaced, approves break for civil servants

    Floods: Diri says 1m displaced, approves break for civil servants

    Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa on Tuesday said that so far, one million residents have been displaced by the ravaging floods, indicating that the worrisome phenomenon has created a humanitarian crisis beyond the capacity of the state.

    The governor has announced a one-week break for civil servants except those on essential duties.

    Diri, who stated these in a radio broadcast, regretted that the state teaching hospital and two stated-owned universities have been forced by the floods to shut down.

    He empathised with the people and saluted their courageous disposition as they grapple with the natural disaster.

    The governor appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to assist the state with grants from the ecological funds, adding that the sole access to the East-West road has been cut off on several points making road transport to Bayelsa impossible.

    NAN reports that public power supply has been cut as a safety measure as most distribution transformers and stations are already submerged.

    Also, fuel stations who have since run out of fuel are not able to bring in fuel by road, leaving residents to resort to illegal refineries which are being clamped down by the renewed fight against oil theft.

    The exorbitant cost of petrol which stands at between N700 and N800 for one liter has led to a more than 100 per cent increase in transport fares while small businesses, like barbers, have jerked up the cost of their services.

    The blockade caused by the flood has also triggered a general scarcity of food, manufactured products including beverages and medicines, forcing prices to hit the roof tops.

    The situation has also taken a negative toll on telecommunications services leading to limited data and voice services as many base stations have run out of fuel.

  • Jonathan, others, eulogise Bayelsa founding father, Aganaba

    Jonathan, others, eulogise Bayelsa founding father, Aganaba

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday said one of the founding fathers of Bayelsa State, late King Geoffrey Aganaba, lived an exemplary life.

    Jonathan, who was represented by a former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Rear Admiral John Jonah (Rtd), said this at the 25th anniversary of late Aganaba in Yenogoa.

    Aganaba was one of the founding fathers of Bayelsa State whose advocacy for a homogenous Ijaw state materialised on Oct. 1, 1996.

    He said what Aganaba had done was worth learning and passed on to the next generation so that children would learn that these things were possible.

    Jonathan said most children did not know about Balyesa history as they did not grow up at home and must be taught the history.

    “But it is by studying what people of this calibre of his time have done; the self sacrifices they have made to get us to this point that we can actually know that yes, we have a duty to this state.

    “All of us have a duty to this state to ensure that this state get to a point that succeeding generations will come and judge us with standards far higher than what we have now.

    “Things are changing, it is a computer age; they will scrutinise us. But if they do that, can you stand out? He, Aganaba, has actually passed that test,” he said.

    Jonathan appealed to Ijaw people to rally round and support one another describing the late Aganaba as a man who lived an exemplary lifestyle.

    Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa recalled that the founding fathers had requested for three states before the late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, created Bayelsa in 1996

    Describing the Ijaw as the fourth largest ethnic nationality in the country, Diri lauded the late Aganaba for his contributions in the creation of Bayelsa but said it was not the end of the agitation for more Ijaw states.

    “The creation of Bayelsa State is not the end of it; it is indeed the beginning of it.

    “We still have other two states that we proposed that have not been created and we must make that clear to the Nigerian government that the Ijaws are still craving for the creation of two additional homogenous Ijaw states.

    “We are indisputably the fourth largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria but yet we have been balkanised into four, five states and in each of these states, the Ijaws have become minorities.

    ” I am sure that the new executive of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) will continue to take that as one of their battles that they will continue to fight and as your government, we will stand behind you to give you that support” Diri said.

    Extolling the late King, the governor described him as a man of peace, freedom fighter, saying that Aganaba sacrificed everything for Ijaw people.

    “For some of us in the history of our existence, we have never seen a man who died and for 25 years still resonates. It is heartwarming that the family gathered together and say we have to honour our father, our uncle; our brother.

    “This man has touched lives, his legacy is speaking for him today. Not only was he the king of Kolokuma clan but this man was in the forefront of the liberation of the Ijaw people.

    “He was that patriotic that his house in the old GRA became the centre of the meetings for the creation of states for the Ijaw people; not only Bayelsa as at that time.

    Also, a former Military Administrator of old Rivers, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, said three states were proposed for Ijaw homogenous states.

    Diette-Spiff was represented by King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom.

    ”We as the younger ones would also go there to become messengers; his own house and that of late Amaitari Zuofa.

    “One of his greatest desire as I said was to see the birth of prosperous Ijaw states that will be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of states in Nigeria and as that time.

    “He fought relentlessly, he left every other thing and became one of those who spoke and who stood for the creation of Bayelsa State.

    “Today, most of us; governors, past and including myself serving, permanent secretaries, heads of service, speakers of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, members of the state House of Assembly, commissioners are all enjoying the sweats of people like Geoffery Filinti Aganaba.

    “We cannot but honour and recognise our heroes past,” he said.

    Diri said his government established the policy of recognising and honouring Ijaw heroes, adding, it was the reason he named the Bayelsa media house after the great Ernest Ikoli.

    In his opening remarks, the Chairman Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja JP, Amayanabo of Opobo observed that Bayelsa had been in the forefront of celebrating and recognising those, who contributed and fought for its creation.

    He said: “Bayelsa State is taking a lead in this because from time to time, they remember that this state did not come by accident that people worked for it and they do the right thing by remembering them.

    “I still know that there are those who fought for this state who are still alive, let us celebrate our heroes when they are alive and not when they die.

    “King Geoffery Filinti Aganaba, the name alone tells a story, the name alone signifies a man who was born to liberate his people and he never looked back,” he said.

  • RCCG General Overseer, Adeboye receives title as ‘Ebidaowei of Bayelsa’ [PHOTOS]

    RCCG General Overseer, Adeboye receives title as ‘Ebidaowei of Bayelsa’ [PHOTOS]

    Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa has honoured Enoch Adeboye, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)’s general overseer, with ‘Ebidaowei of Bayelsa’.

    He thanked the RCCG leader for his continued support of his administration.

    “You are a good father. So, after consultation, we decided to give you the name ‘Ebidaowei of Bayelsa’, meaning the good father of Bayelsa.

    “Our story as a government in Bayelsa will be better told by you, Daddy G.O. When we were told that you were coming to start the year with us, we opened our arms to welcome you,” said the Bayelsa governor.

    Mr Diri added, “This government will be two years old on February 14. You have been a part of us, supported us, prayed with us and prayed for us. You have continued to support us by coming to begin the year with us.

    “You are a good father. So, after consultation, we decided to give you the name ‘Ebidaowei of Bayelsa’, meaning the good father of Bayelsa.

    “As part of our second-anniversary celebration, we have adopted this programme. Bayelsa has been lighted up. Bayelsa will not go back to Egypt.”

    The governor advised Christians to participate in politics actively. He gave the advice while speaking at the end of a two-day programme of RCCG’s ‘Light Up Bayelsa Holy Ghost Rally’ at the Oxbow Lake in Yenagoa on Thursday.

    He urged Christians not to be aloof to politics or remain unconcerned but rather join to influence decision-making for the good of the generality of the people.

    According to Mr Diri, Nigeria needs people who will salvage it from its many crises. He urged the church not to be docile in the face of insecurity, corruption and other vices threatening the country.

  • Abducted Bayelsa Commissioner regains freedom as Diri dethrones Paramount Ruler, others

    Abducted Bayelsa Commissioner regains freedom as Diri dethrones Paramount Ruler, others

    Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. Federal Otokito, who was abducted by yet-to-be-ascertained gunmen on Jan. 20, regained his freedom on Monday.

    Otokito was released by his abductors on the fifth day after he was kidnapped from his Otuokpoti community residence in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

    The kidnappers had established telephone contact with the Paramount Ruler of Otuokpoti to demand the release of the father of the kidnap gang leaders as a condition to free Otokito.

    The Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ben Nebolisa, and the State Director of the State Security Services, Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi, presented Mr. Otokito to Gov. Douye Diri on Monday evening at Government House, Yenagoa.

    Addressing Government House correspondent after Otokito’s release, Gov Diri announced the deposition of the Otuokpoti community paramount ruler, Chief A. C. T. Wongo, and appointed Chief Rescue Abe in acting capacity.

    The governor also announced the sacking of the Community Development Committee Chairman, Azibalua Amon, replacing him with Jerry Offor, in acting capacity, and the youth president, Emolem Igue, was also removed and replaced with Shedrach Afiemo.

    According to Diri, preliminary investigation revealed that all of them were complicit in the kidnap of the commissioner.

    Diri reiterated the state government’s zero tolerance to crime and kidnapping.

    Diri warned all those who see kidnapping as a business to desist as his government will not hesitate to invoke the extant laws and make the state uncomfortable for criminal elements.

    He called on all community leaders to remain vigilant and ensure that peace prevailed in their communities as government will not hesitate to sanction anyone found wanting in the discharge of their duties.

    Diri, who said preliminary investigation revealed that illegal refining of crude was connected to the kidnap, warned all those involved in such businesses in the state to stop forthwith.

    He thanked security agencies and all those who availed the government of useful information that led to the release of the commissioner, assuring that his government will continue to make Bayelsa safe for all residents.

    “I like to thank God that a member of the state exco who was kidnapped is now here with us.

    “I like to also thank the security agencies and all other sources that helped in securing the release of the commissioner.

    “Investigation is still ongoing. So we appeal to all in Otuokpoti to keep the peace and security agencies will keep an eagle eye on Otuokpoti and environs.

    “Bayelsa will not condone crime and criminality. We have zero tolerance for crime. Let this be a warning to all those who have taken that as a way of life that Bayelsa is not a state for them.

    “We have anti-kidnapping laws and they will be invoked at all times. As a government, we will do everything to ensure peace for people of the state.” Diri said.

    It would be recalled that Diri had earlier ruled out the payment of ransom to secure the release of the commissioner.

    The Commissioner of Police declared Joshua Abi, Clergy Mabinton, Gift Tebeda and Azin Azin wanted in connection with the kidnap.

    In reaction to his freedom, Otokito thanked Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and all those who worked for his release.

  • Diri rules out payment of ransom for kidnapped Bayelsa commissioner

    Diri rules out payment of ransom for kidnapped Bayelsa commissioner

    Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa has ruled out the payment of ransom to secure the release of the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr Federal Otokito.

    Otokito was kidnapped on Thursday at his country home, Otuokpoti in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

    A statement by Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, on Monday urged youths of the state to shun kidnapping, which the governor described as counter-productive.

    Diri called for the immediate and unconditional release of the commissioner, vowing that the state’s laws against kidnapping would be followed to the letter.

    He said, “I left Yenagoa for Abuja and within the period one of my cabinet members was kidnapped. A lot of people expected me to make statements but I am not a man of too many words.

    “I advise those who settle scores by kidnapping and criminality that there are laws of Bayelsa State against kidnapping.

    “Let me call on those that kidnapped my Commissioner of Trade and Investment to immediately release him without any conditions.

    “I have been on it from the beginning till now and I will ensure that he is released unhurt.

    “I advise all others involved in that criminal, ungodly and inhumane act to have a change of mind and leave that illegitimate business.’’

    It was gathered that the gunmen who abducted the commissioner had demanded the release of the father of their leader, who is in police custody as condition to free Otokito.

    They were said to have contacted the paramount ruler of Otuokpoti to demand the swap of the father of their leader with the commissioner.

  • 2023 Election: Diri, Wike predict victory for PDP

    2023 Election: Diri, Wike predict victory for PDP

    Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa and his Rivers counterpart, Gov. Nyesom Wike, have predicted victory for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election.
    Both governors spoke on Monday when Wike visited Diri at the Government House in Yenagoa.
    According to Diri, only PDP can rescue Nigeria from insecurity and economic downturn.
    He said the party had been repositioned to be able to clinch the presidency in the 2023.
    He further said that PDP had the pedigree to give Nigerians hope and a sense of direction.
    “The presidency is one sacred office and we must do everything to protect it and ensure that our party clinches victory in the 2023 polls.
    “The number one thing for our party is our unity. Second is who becomes president.
    “We have a capable national chairman that can steer us back to power in 2023,” the Bayelsa governor said.
    He commended Wike for demonstrating leadership and purposeful governance.
    He underscored the need for greater unity among the states of the Niger Delta region to enable them to tackle their common challenges, particularly environmental pollution and underdevelopment.
    “Bayelsa and Rivers are sister-states historically and culturally and if anyone is trying to divide us, we must come against them.
    “I call on Ijaw leaders to come together and amicably resolve whatever issues we may have.
    “Within a family, we will always have issues but that should not remove our brotherliness,” Diri said.
    He further commended Wike for his role in ensuring that PDP was repositioned, describing him as a committed party man.
    In a remark, Wike expressed confidence that PDP would produce the next president of Nigeria.
    He emphasised the need for unity of purpose between Bayelsa, Rivers and PDP, saying that success would elude the party, if members failed to form a united front
    He lauded Duri for his developmental efforts and commitment to the party and urged the people of the state to continue to support him.
    “Today, I came to let everybody know that Douye Diri is one of the governors I can tell you has shown commitment even though he is new.
    “He believes in the development of his state.
    “I have also come to tell him that everybody must work together to make PDP united because without party there cannot be a presidential candidate.
    “Let us all unite. Nigerians are waiting for PDP and we cannot afford to miss this opportunity. As governors, we must work together.
    “Anybody can be a presidential candidate but if we are not united it cannot be possible,” Wike said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike was accompanied on the visit by a high-powered delegation that included a former Rivers governor, Chief Celestine Omehia.
    Two former Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara and Prince Chibudom Nwuche, as well as a former Minister of Transport, Chief Abiye Sekibo, were also at the meeting.

  • Diri threatens to sack aides involved in campaigns before 2023

    Diri threatens to sack aides involved in campaigns before 2023

    Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Wednesday swore in two new Special Advisers.

    He warned his political appointees against premature politicking ahead of the 2023 general elections, saying he would not hesitate to sack any of them found wanting.

    Diri gave the warning before the beginning of the weekly State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.

    Those sworn-in include Alabo Ozubide (Legal Matters) and Onumah Johnson (Non-Indigenes).

    This was contained in a statement on Wednesday titled, ‘Resign or be sacked, Gov Diri warns appointees over early politicking,’ issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah.

    The statement quoted him as saying, “I find it very difficult to believe that appointees in this government have already started open politicking.

    “Yes, it is the constitutional right of anybody to contest but even the Bible tells us that there is time for everything. At this time, we are trying to stamp our feet to meet up our campaign promises to our people.

    “I hereby caution all those involved to immediately withdraw. If you are prepared to continue with this government, you must listen to the music of this administration. We are not prepared to start politicking this year.”

     

  • Diri to Buhari: Bayelsa has no grazing routes, we’re fishermen

    Diri to Buhari: Bayelsa has no grazing routes, we’re fishermen

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has said that the state government’s ban on open grazing is backed by law and has come to stay.

    Diri, who announced the government’s stance in a state-wide broadcast yesterday to commemorate the 2021 Democracy Day, spoke against the backdrop of reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had restored grazing routes across the country.

    He insisted that the reported pronouncement by the President was not applicable to the state, saying that Bayelsa has no grazing routes because the people are fishermen.

    The state government last week seized 34 cows for breaching the state’s ban on open grazing and pledged to enforce the law to the letter.

    The governor also said that it discounted the N38bn refunds for federal projects and received N27bn which had been ploughed back into infrastructure projects across the state.

    He explained that the N38bn due the state was ‘promissory notes’ and not cash and was redeemed based on experts’ advice.

    The explanation came amid concerns that the difference between N38 billion and N27 billion amounting to about N11 billion was a shortchange.

    Promissory notes and bonds are debt instruments through which one party promises in writing to pay a determinate sum of money to the other either at a fixed or determinable future time under specific terms and redeemable before maturity at a discount.

    The Senate had on November 24, 2020 approved promissory notes and bond issuance worth N148.1bn as refunds to Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Osun and Ondo states for executing federal projects.

    A breakdown of the refunds showed that Bayelsa got N38.4bn, Cross River N18.4bn, Ondo N7.8bn, Osun N 4.5bn and Rivers N78.9bn.

    Diri further clarified that the state government entered the discount deal with due diligence after consulting economic experts who advised that for the state to get the full value of the debt, it had to wait for the four-year maturity date of the instrument or discount it at market rates.

    He stated: “The governors of the benefiting states met and it was obvious that it made sense to accept the discount option because some second term governors cannot have access to the money when they have left office.

    “Also given the unpredictable inflation and foreign exchange rates, it made sense to go for the discount option, and I want to assure the people of Bayelsa that the decision was taken in the interest of the public.

    “We got that money sometime in December 2020 and deployed it to work on the Yenagoa-Oporoma Road which will connect headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area by road. Work is advancing at an impressive pace.

    “The Glory Land Drive Road, the AIT-Igbogene, Sagbama-Ekeremor road and so many projects that the previous administration could not complete are receiving attention and the people are free to go and see what we are doing with the refunds.”

    On the commencement of scheduled commercial flights to the recently licensed Bayelsa Airport, Diri said that plans had been concluded with United Nigeria Airlines to start flight operations to and from Bayelsa from July.

    He said that the state held talks with Ibom Air and the airline requested guarantees that the state government indemnifies it for empty seats until passenger traffic grows, but the aircraft has a capacity for 90.

    He said that as a prudent administration, considering the cost of empty seats in a 90 passenger capacity aircraft, the government got United Nigeria Airline which operates smaller planes with 50-passenger capacity.

    “Our earlier plan was to start with Ibom Air and we opened discussions with my brother, Governor of Akwa Ibom during our recent retreat in Uyo and he agreed. We immediately set up a committee to work out the modalities.

    “The committee found that we need to defray the cost of unoccupied seats as a new airport and we found the cost too high for the capacity of aircraft operated by Ibom Air so we had to look for airlines that operate smaller capacity aircrafts.

    “I can confidently say the scheduled flights will start at our airport in July. Arrangements have been concluded following the presentation of certification documents for daytime flight operations by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.”

  • Police uncover plan by IPOB to set up cells in Bayelsa

    Police uncover plan by IPOB to set up cells in Bayelsa

    The Bayelsa State Police Command says it has uncovered plans by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (lPOB), to set up cells in the state.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mike Okoli, made the revelation in a statement released in Yenagoa on Thursday.

    He also warned members of the public in the state to steer clear of any form of association with the outlawed group, as the command would not tolerate their activities in the state.

    Okoli said available intelligence before the command revealed the plans by some misguided elements, but assured that police operatives in the state were on their trail and monitoring their activities.

    The Police Commissioner maintained that the command would deal decisively with any person or group of persons that attempted to disrupt the prevailing peaceful security situation in the state.

    Meanwhile, the Youth Council (IYC), has sent a strong warning to members of IPOB to desist from holding any planned meeting in the state.

    The warning is coming on the heels of a statement by the State Police Command that it has uncovered plans by members of the proscribed IPOB to set up cells in the state.

    In swift reaction,the Chairman of the Central Zone of the IYC, Clever Inodu in a statement, said the activities of IPOB is capable of breaching peace in the state if left unchecked.

    He noted that the IYC would not permit any meeting of IPOB in the state even if they formally apply, stressing that Bayelsa would not be the place for them to push their secessionist agenda.

    He said: “The attention of the leadership of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Central Zone has been drawn to alleged gathering of the IPOB in the State.

    “Bayelsa State is among the states enjoying relative peace in the country, the activities of this group, if not checked, is capable of breaching the peace especially in view of the present fragile state of security in the nation”.

    He warned leaders of IPOB not to test their resolve to keep the state peaceful and called on all hotel owners and event centres not to rent their halls or premises to members of the group or the property would be shut down.

    Inodu said: “Ijaw nationality has been in existence even before the so called IPOB, I therefore, call on leaders of the IPOB to desist from any planned meeting in the state with the intent of spreading message of secessionist that is capable of breaching the existing peace and security in the state.”

  • NCAA approves commercial flight operations at Bayelsa airport, Diri reacts

    NCAA approves commercial flight operations at Bayelsa airport, Diri reacts

    After months of expectation, the Bayelsa State-owned airport, on Saturday, finally got the nod of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence commercial flight operations.

    The NCAA Director General, Dr. Nuhu Musa, presented the regulatory body’s approval letter to an elated Governor Douye Diri in Government House, Yenagoa, after the team completed the mandatory inspection of the airport and its facilities.

    Dr. Musa said the airport met all airspace standards and is one hundred per cent ready for daytime flight operations.

    The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the NCAA DG as saying that the approval was sequel to the report of the agency’s inspection team, which prior to the visit had certified that out of 29 gaps, the airport was able to close 26.

    He noted that other requirements were non-safety related and that work was already in progress to achieve night flight operations.

    He said the agency had to limit flight operations to daytime as the runway lights were being installed, noting that once completed, full approval would be granted.

    Musa commended the state government for the quality of work done at the airport and the capable personnel from the state that facilitated the issuing of the licence.

    Responding, Governor Diri, who was full of joy, expressed appreciation to God for making the long-awaited day possible.

    He said issuing of the operational licence was a winding journey that began from the administration of his immediate past predecessor to when he assumed duty over a year ago.

    Senator Diri commended former Governor Seriake Dickson for his foresight in ensuring that the state had its own airport.

    He noted that Senator Dickson started the project, which had been on the drawing board of past administrations and saw to its completion before handing over to him.

    He said his administration was therefore determined to ensure flight operations commenced as he set the machinery in motion to get the NCAA nod.

    His words: “This is a dream come true for our state and our people. I thank God Almighty because this journey had been a winding one from my immediate past predecessor and I have been in the saddle for over a year waiting for this licence. Today, God made it possible.

    “I also thank my predecessor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson. This airport had been on the drawing board but he took the bull by the horns by starting the airport and virtually completed it. May I on behalf of this government and the people of Bayelsa appreciate him.

    “As I came on board, having seen what he did, my administration had to cross the T’s and dot the I’s. Having been briefed on certain requirements, I wasted no time in approving what was necessary to ensure that the airport was ready for use. Today, we have the approval for the airport to commence commercial flight operations.”

    Diri also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, the NCAA DG and officials for the approval and promised to do all it takes to get full flight operations.

    He averred that all the necessary facilities and equipment were in place and would be installed in no distant time, especially all the runway lighting system.

    He said the importance of an airport cannot be overemphasised, particularly in the South-South region that is the centre of oil and gas activities in the country.

    “Bayelsa State is a major contributor to the oil and gas business in Nigeria. Bayelsa is the centre not only of oil and gas but also other economic activities within the South-South and the South-East.

    “So, the Bayelsa airport is critical not only to Bayelsans but indeed the people of the South-South, South-East and by extension the nearby countries. We are at the border with the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.