Connect with us

Niger Delta

Diri Condemns Political Violence, Warns Monarchs, Youths

Published

3 years ago

on

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has warned that the State Government will dethrone any monarch or de-recognise youth associations in any community where electoral violence is perpetrated.
Governor Diri gave the warning recently before a mammoth crowd during the flag-off of the Bayelsa Central Senatorial campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Peace Park in Yenagoa.
He said monarchs were expected to remain non-partisan and neutral in political activities.
The governor in a press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said that politics should be about exercising one’s franchise through the ballot and not about violence and death.
”They said they will use guns again. Can they use guns to chase you out again?
“Any traditional ruler in whose domain politicians use guns to chase away members of any political party will be deposed. After now, l will take the action through my Deputy Governor, who is in charge of chieftaincy affairs.
“Youth associations of such areas will also be de-recognised. I mean every word of this warning. Traditional rulers should remain apolitical and our youths have to be disciplined. Politics does not mean killing your brother but to use your voter’s card”, he said.
On aspirants that ignored the party’s constitution by resorting to litigation, the governor advised them to jettison their action, urging them to always use internal mechanisms in the party to resolve disputes.
Diri enjoined those who are aggrieved to sink their differences and unite to make the party more formidable for the upcoming elections.
“I represented the Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opoku-ma Federal Constituency for four years before my successor, Prof. Steve Azaiki, took over. Now, there is peaceful transition from Azaiki to Oforji Oboku.
“Our party’s constitution is very clear on such issues – use internal mechanisms to resolve every dispute. We are the same family and l urge you to jettison litigation and come back to the PDP fold”, Governor Diri added.
The state’s helmsman also enjoined Bayelsans to turn out en masse to vote for all PDP candidates at the Presidential, Senatorial and state House of Assembly elections.
The governor charged party agents, who he described as the livewire of the party, to be vigilant during the elections while expressing optimism that the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would go a long way in checking electoral malpractices.
He also called on PDP supporters to turn out in their numbers during the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s campaign rally in the state on January 23.
In his remarks, state chairman of the PDP, Mr Solomon Agwana, implored party faithful and supporters to work hard to deliver all its candidates at the elections.
He noted that Bayelsa is a stronghold of the PDP and that under the leadership of Senator Diri, it has worked relentlessly to provide good governance, thus giving hope to Bayelsans.
Also speaking, the Director-General, Bayelsa Central PDP Senatorial Campaign Council, Tonye Isenah, said the era of winning elections through electoral violence was over and urged all to take the campaigns to all parts of the state.
According to him, the Diri administration has made the campaigns easy as it has recorded achievements in infrastructure development and other sectors of the economy.
Candidates who were presented the party’s flag include Dr. Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central Senatorial District), Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency) and Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency).
House of Assembly candidates in Kolokuma LGA that were presented flags were Pamoh Werinipre ( Constituency 1) and Wisdom Fafi (Constituency 2).
In Southern Ijaw, candidates presented flags were Bonny Ayah (Constituency 1), Monday Obolo-Bubou (Constituency 2), Marlon Moses (Constituency 3) and Macdonald Igbadiwei (Constituency 4).
Ayibanengiye Egba (Constituency 1), Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai (Constituency 2) and Ted Elemeforo (3) all received the party’s flag in Yenagoa.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy 

Published

6 days ago

on

March 23, 2026

By

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev 

Published

6 days ago

on

March 23, 2026

By

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

6 days ago

on

March 23, 2026

By

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Continue Reading

Trending