…says Yenagoa deserves five LGAs
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed the state’s status as one of the most peaceful in Nigeria, despite recent incidents of cult-related violence and the abduction of a high court judge in the state capital.
Speaking during the grand finale of his “Thank You” tour at the Oxbow Lake Pavilion in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Governor Diri assured residents of his administration’s commitment to security and development, describing the judge’s abduction as “condemnable and unfortunate.”
“No state is immune to security challenges,” Diri said. “We must avoid playing politics with matters of safety. Our government has invested heavily in security, including the installation of CCTV systems across Yenagoa. We are already reviewing footage of the recent kidnap to ensure the judge’s safe return.”
He urged residents, particularly traditional rulers and community leaders, to collaborate with the government in safeguarding the peace the state currently enjoys.
“Government alone cannot provide total security. We need credible information from the public to tackle these challenges,” the governor added.
Yenagoa Deserves More Local Governments
Reiterating his call for more local councils, Governor Diri said Yenagoa’s growing population and strategic importance warrant the creation of at least five local governments: Yenagoa South, Yenagoa North, Ekpetiama, Gbarain, and Biseni/Okordia.
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“It is an injustice to Bayelsa that resource allocation is based on the number of LGAs. This outdated model cheats states like ours. We deserve more, and states should have the constitutional power to create local governments they can fund,” he declared.
Infrastructure, Urban Renewal on Track
Governor Diri highlighted key achievements of his administration in Yenagoa, including the completion of the Igbogene Transport Terminal, construction of a ring road, development of a new Yenagoa City, and work on a FIFA-standard stadium and nine-storey civil servants’ secretariat.
“We are transforming Yenagoa into a modern city. From roads and healthcare to education and sports, the capital is becoming a hub of opportunity,” Diri said.
Lawmakers, Leaders Applaud Governor’s Vision
In separate goodwill messages, Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central), Hon. Oforji Oboku (House of Reps), and members of the State House of Assembly representing Yenagoa praised the governor’s infrastructural strides and inclusive leadership.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Special Duties, Mazi Onuma Johnson, who represented the non-indigenes in Yenagoa, thanked Diri for creating a peaceful environment for all residents to thrive.
Earlier in the day, Diri and his entourage—including Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Speaker Abraham Ingobere, and federal lawmakers—paid a courtesy visit to the Yenagoa Traditional Rulers Council, where the monarchs offered prayers and presented gifts.