Dennis

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described as false a claim by the Labour Party (LP) National Chairman, Mr. Julius Abure, that the declared results of last Saturday’s election were taken to the Government House in Yenagoa and manipulated. Mr Abure alleged that the presidential and National Assembly elections results were manipulated in the Government House of Bayelsa and two other states. The LP chairman made the claim during a joint press conference with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja on Tuesday following the controversy over the presidential election results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Dismissing the statement as false and lacking substance, Governor Diri exonerated Bayelsa from the LP leader’s claim and advised him to make statements he can substantiate. The governor, who responded through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said such comment was thou

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has blamed poor logistics arrangements on the part of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the delay in commencement of voting across the state in Saturday’s election. Senator Diri, who stated this after casting his vote  alongside his wife, Dr. Gloria, at ward 6 unit 4 (Kalama-owei wari) in Sampou Community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area about 10:30am, urged INEC to address the logistics challenges. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as calling on INEC to extend the voting period to accommodate those who were delayed as a result of the logistics delay. He, however, lauded the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and advocated that Nigeria move to the next level  by introducing  electronic voting to check electoral fraud and improve the overall electoral process. The governor also commended the security situation in his community and parts of

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has commended the Federal Government over the siting of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre under the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in Yenagoa. Senator Diri gave the commendation on Tuesday when a delegation of the commission led by an Executive Commissioner, Capt. John Tonlagha, paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa Senator Diri, who said the gesture offers hope not only to the people of the state but also to the entire Niger Delta, described it as a sign of good things to come. According to him, "this has been the bone of contention between most Niger Delta states, which is principally on the relocation of head offices of oil companies to their areas of operation. I see what is happening today as a very good sign that our age-long dream may be achieved.  "Bringing the ADRC to Yenagoa is a sign of good things to come for the government and people of Bayelsa State. So let me on behalf

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has sued for calm following the raging controversy over the redesign of the country’s currency notes by the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Governor Diri maintained that it is within the rights of the government at the centre to implement the policy and urged it to take practical steps to reduce the pains being experienced by Nigerians. His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as having spoken during the 22nd state security council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday. He lauded the people of the state for not resorting to illegal means of resolving the issues, expressing optimism that the challenges being faced as a result of the policy will soon be over. His words: "We are all aware that by Saturday elections will commence. Our state has been safe and I like it to continue.  “All of us should join hands with the security agencies, give information to ensure our state re

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday, swore in Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), urging him to be steadfast and diligent on the job. The oath of allegiance and oath of office was administered by Registrar of the State High Court, Mr. Amaebi Orukari, inside the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa. The office became vacant last year following the resignation of the former SSG, Dr. Konbowei Benson, to contest the Bayelsa Central senatorial ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he won. Alabo Ekeuwei returns to the office he once occupied during the Chief Timi Sylva administration between 2008 and 2011, becoming the first in the history of the state to be sworn in twice as SSG. He was the 7th and now the 13th SSG in the 26-year-old state. Giving his charge, Senator Diri explained that the event was scheduled to hold on February 13 but had to be rescheduled following the sudden passage of his father, Pa A

Some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were among sympathisers at the country home of the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, at the weekend following the demise of his father, Pa Abraham Diri. Former Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who led the delegation that included Chief Osom Blankson, Mr. Perez Peretu among others, said the visit was to identify with Governor Diri and his family in their moment of grief.  He described the death of a parent as a very difficult pill to swallow but urged the governor to take solace in the worthy legacies of his father.  While describing the late Diri as a father who lived a life worthy of emulation, Senator Lokpobiri prayed God to grant the governor and his family the fortitude to bear the loss. Scores of appointees of the Bayelsa governor, including Special Advisers, Technical Advisers, Governors Representatives in the local government areas, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants on N

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has condoled with the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, following the demise of his father, Pa Abraham Diri. The delegation led by the president, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, was at the Sampou community home of the governor on Friday. Prof. Okaba said Pa Diri’s death was not only a loss to the governor but also the entire Ijaw nation being its Governor General. The INC President noted that it was proper to solidarise and identify with one of their own in his moment of grief and to support him in the planning of the burial process.  He stated that Pa Diri died a great man, stressing that the Ijaws will miss his fatherly advice. Okaba also expressed delight that the late octogenarian raised a son that is a pride of the Ijaws and promised that the INC will continue to support the governor to remain focused despite the demise of his father. He said: “The governor of Bayelsa State is also the Governor General of the Ijaw nation. So the loss is not only

Bayelsa State Elders Council led by its Chairman, the immediate past Deputy Governor of the State, His Excellency, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd.) paid a condolence visit to His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri and his family in Sampou, hometown of the governor.  Accordng to the chairman of the council, "the death of a father is a great loss and so, as elders council, we have come to commiserate and condole with you. "You are a person that exemplifies humanity, humility and has brought a purposeful leadership to the society, I have always said your success is the success of everyone in this State and Ijaw nation, not only you. when u succeed we all succeed.   The elders council shall continue to stand by you, even on the day of the burial, we shall continue to support you as a third leg to succeed, during the time of the burial and beyond.  In a response, Governor Diri said, "I am humbled by your visit as elders council. You've shown truly that you are elder

Bayelsa State government has demanded unreserved apology from a group of civil society organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of the Civil Society Organisations Central Coordinating Council over a false allegation against Governor Douye Diri. The CSOs through its member, Gabriel Ojemena, alleged at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday that Governor Diri was among a group of 10 governors (G-10) opposing President Muhammadu Buhari on the Naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The CSOs also claimed that the 10 governors were disrespectful of Mr. President and planning to make the country ungovernable if the policy was not reversed. These are not only unfounded and baseless allegations but they are also annoying and provocative.  It is even more ridiculous and insensitive coming at a time the governor is mourning the passing of his father.  The government is particularly dismayed that CSOs that should be better informed rather yielded themselves as agent-provocateur to

As part of the three days mourning over the passage of Pa Abraham Diri, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State on Tuesday received different groups including serving State Governors, Members of the National Assembly, Captains of Industry and Traditional rulers who came to commiserate with the family. Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, his counterpart from Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and other members of the National Assembly from the State paid their condolences to the Diri's family. Also in Sampou to commiserate with the Diris were oil mogul, Chief Gesi Asamaowei, President of Azikel Group of companies, Dr. Godbless Eruani, Heads of Military formations in the State, traditional rulers from Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA, representative of Nembe Divisional Council of Chiefs, members of the Judiciary led by Acting Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye and Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service. Governor Diri appr

With a deep feeling of loss, the Diri Family of Kalama-Owei Wari in Sampou Community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State announces the sudden passage of our patriarch, Lay Reader Pa Abraham Michael Joseph Diri. Pa Abraham Diri departed on Sunday, February 12 at the age of 88 years. Pa Diri, a retired Headmaster, a devout Christian and a man of exemplary humility, is father of the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri. The Diri family and indeed the entire Sampou community are consoled that our dear brother and father lived a fulfilled life. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said his emergence as governor was not a mistake but by divine arrangement.  He stated that before he became governor, there were clear signs that God had already ordained it.  Speaking on Sunday during his administration’s third anniversary  thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, he also said God made no mistake in using former Governor Seriake Dickson as an instrument to bring him to office.  Governor Diri remarked that with the blessings bestowed upon Bayelsa by God, the people of the state had no choice but to be thankful for His goodness. He urged the people to shun the pull-him-down syndrome in order for the state to make progress. The state’s helmsman, who acknowledged that power comes from God, said he deserves a second term in office based on his performance so far. He rededicated himself to the service of the state and assured that going forward Bayelsa will experience more development. His words: "Today

The Federal Government has commended the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for the new National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in the state. The Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare, also  hailed the robust support from the state government that ensured the completion of the permanent orientation camp in Boro Town, Kaiama in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area. While inaugurating the project at the weekend, the Youth and Sports Minister, who was represented by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Yushau Dogara-Ahmed, noted that the facilities will boost the morale of staff and corps members due to the quality of infrastructure at the camp. He stressed that the NYSC will reciprocate the magnanimity of the state government by ensuring increased quota of corps members to the state. “Let me on behalf of the National Youth Service Corps congratulate you on the accomplishment made so far in the delivery of democry  dividends.  “It is also gratifyi

Hamadjan Yaya from Cross River State and Lidiah Akuaho from Plateau State on Saturday emerged winners in the male and female categories of the 3rd Senator Douye Diri (SDD) 15km marathon race. The race was part of the activities commemorating the third anniversary of the Governor Diri administration. Other winners in the male category are Tosin Adedeji from Ogun State, who came second while Wadata Barau from Bauchi came third. In the female category, Patience John also from Plateau placed second and Charity Agofure of Delta State came third. The competitors took off from Akenfa and concluded the race at the Peace Park in Yenagoa. Governor Douye Diri, in his remarks, commended the winners and participants and urged the private sector, particularly corporate organizations in the state, to sponsor  sporting activities as part of their corporate social responsibility. The governor stressed the need to develop the sports sector, describing it as a money-spinning venture as well as a veritabl

Peruvian authorities on Friday said the death toll from devastating mudslides in the country’s southern and central regions has climbed to 18, including three children.   The landslides, which occurred last Sunday, have also left 27 people injured and 20 missing, according to data from Peru’s National Institute of Civil Defense. The latest fatality came early Friday in the central Andean region of Junin, where a rock and mudslide buried a vehicle, killing one person and injuring two others, the institute said.   Rains were heaviest in the Arequipa region, where homes, roads, schools and a medical center were destroyed in Camana province.   Numerous artisanal mines are located in the area, and officials fear some people may have been trapped in makeshift tunnels.   The children who died ranged in age from one to 10 years old, officials said.

  The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Corps Safety, Dauda Biu, has approved the promotion of 3,845 Marshals of different cadres in the just concluded promotion exercise.   The promotion exercise commenced in December 2022 and spanned through the month of January 2023.   This was contained in a statement signed by the Corps spokesperson, Bisi Kazeem on Friday.   “In the list of the promoted Marshals of the Corps, 90 Deputy Chief Inspectors were promoted to the rank of Chief Inspectors, 95 Assistant Chief Inspectors were promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief Inspector and 87 Principal Marshal Inspectors were promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief Inspector.   ''Also, 222 Senior Marshal Inspectors were promoted to the rank of Principal Marshal Inspector, 228 Marshal Inspectors-One were promoted to the rank of Senior Marshal Inspector, while 361 Marshal Inspectors-Two were promoted to the rank of Marshal Inspector-One, and other who also enjoyed elevation to other ranks.   The Corps Ma

  The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Turkey, Olasupo Caleb, has said some Nigerian students were affected by the earthquake which affected the transcontinental country.   Saturday PUNCH reports that a 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the country on Monday, which according to reports brought down whole apartment blocks in Turkish cities and plied more devastation on millions of Syrians.   The death toll from the earthquake of Turkey and Syria later rose above 23,000.   Caleb told journalists that the Nigerian embassy was working towards helping students who were awaiting evacuation.   He said, “Regarding the catastrophic earthquake that happened recently, the union got in touch with some students in Kahramanmaras, Gaziantep, Adana and Sanliurfa provinces in Turkey.   “According to those spoken with so far, although some Nigerian students were affected, no injury or death was recorded among Nigerian students.   “We’ve reached out to the Nigerian Embassy in T

The Niger Delta Development Commission has called on Ijaw leaders and Niger Delta stakeholders to support the agency in developing Nigeria’s oil-rich region.   The Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who made the appeal during a courtesy visit by Ijaw leaders and stakeholders in the region at the agency’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said the time for agitation was over.   “We want the world to know that Ijaw people have gone beyond street agitation; we are now involved in intellectual engagements.   “The time for agitation is over; this is the time for development. We sacrificed a lot during the struggle for the emancipation of the Niger Delta region. This is the time to turn that struggle into development,” Ogbuku was quoted as saying in a statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Ibitoye Abosede, on Friday.   The chief executive officer thanked the Ijaw leaders for coming to show solidarity with him and the new leadership in the commissio

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said the state is enjoying steady growth due to the continuity policy of his administration. Governor Diri stated that continuing projects of previous administrations had not only saved funds of the state but had ensured that they reaped the full benefits of the policy. The Bayelsa helmsman, who spoke during the inauguration of a new complex for the Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme (BHIS) in Yenagoa on Wednesday, noted that the scheme was a brainchild of the immediate past administration of Senator Seriake Dickson. Delta State Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, inaugurated the BHIS House as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Diri administration. Diri said his administration decided to continue with the health scheme due to its benefits to people of the state.  Diri, however, stated that his administration expanded it to accommodate the informal sector s

The first batch of 603 trainees under the Bayelsa State Community Safety Corps were on Thursday inaugurated by Governor Douye Diri in Yenagoa, the state capital. The Corps came into existence in December 2021 when Governor Diri signed the bill establishing it into law. The law streamlines the operations of the state's security outfit, Operation Doo-Akpo, the Bayelsa State Volunteers and the Bayelsa Vigilante into an umbrella body. The personnel are mandated to work closely with security agencies in the protection of lives and property. Speaking at the launch/graduation ceremony, Governor  Diri enjoined them to  operate within the rules of engagement and not operate as tax collectors, settlers of land disputes or domestic issues but rather work with statutory security agencies to rid the state of criminals. He also urged security agencies to work in synergy with the corps as they would be invaluable in crime fighting in the rural areas. His words: “You are indeed the pride of Bayels

  The Supreme Court on Wednesday restrained the Federal Government from implementing the Friday deadline for the currency swap.   A seven-man panel of the apex court led by Justice John Okoro, in a unanimous ruling, granted an interim injunction restraining the Federal Government, the Central Bank of Nigeria and commercial banks from implementing the Friday terminal date for the old naira notes.   Also on Wednesday, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank urged the CBN to extend the time limit.   The advice of the international organisations was in line with the Supreme Court ruling against the Friday deadline.   The IMF and the World Bank stated that the short timeframe for the currency was causing hardships in the country.   Delivering the ruling in the application filed by the governors of Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara States, Okoro granted the relief as prayed.   He stated, “An order of interim injunction restraining the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria