Bayelsa Governor Urges Calm Over Naira Redesign Policy … Tasks Traditional Rulers On Peace In Domains

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 remains safe. Let me commend service commanders for ensuring our state is safe.

"We are all currently undergoing difficulty caused by some policies of the Government. The pain is time-bound but the policy has its advantages.

"I like to appreciate the people of Bayelsa, who though are experiencing pains have taken it with equanimity and have never resorted to illegal means of resolving the issue.

"Currency redesigning is an exclusive matter for the Federal Government. All we can do is to call on the Federal Government to reduce the impact on the people. I appeal to all Bayelsans to keep the peace. We have no other state of our own.”

On the recent skirmishes in Nembe-Bassambiri that claimed some lives, Governor Diri again admonished traditional rulers to take proactive steps to ensure peace in their domains.

He said any traditional ruler that cannot keep the peace in his domain is not fit to preside over the affairs of his people.  

The governor restated his warning to depose monarchs whose domains have become theatre of war.

Frowning on the Nembe-Bassambiri crisis, he said government had taken practical steps to bring the situation under control but warned that if it escalates, he would impose a curfew on the community.

He stated that he has directed the arrest and prosecution of all those behind the killings, saying the state cannot afford a situation where Nembe will be a flashpoint during elections with senseless killings taking place.

The state’s helmsman noted that politics should be a means of serving the people and not warfare, urging politicians to play by the rules and remain civil as civilians.

"Building up to the election, we have seen killings in Bassambiri. For no reason, innocent people have been killed. 

“I have directed the security agencies to remain in Nembe until after the election and till peace returned. I have also directed the arrest of those responsible for the killings. 

“We cannot afford a state that at every election Nembe will become a flashpoint. In 2019 we experienced killings in Nembe. It must stop. The two kings will have to meet with the Deputy Governor for further discussions."

Briefing the press shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Ben Okolo, assured of adequate security in the state during the general election.

He restated the ban on the use of 200-horse power engine boats, saying it will be vigorously enforced.