Ex-members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly have endorsed Governor Douye Diri’s second term bid in office.
The Tide learnt that the ex-lawmakers, under the aegis of the “Bayelsa Former Legislators Forum”, had midweek passed a vote of confidence on Senator Diri during their courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa.
A statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said a former Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, Dr. Boyelayefa Debekeme, moved a motion for the endorsement of the Governor and was seconded by another former Speaker and acting Governor of the state, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu.
The forum comprises both Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) members.
In his remarks, Chairman of the forum, Robert Enogha, commended Senator Diri’s exemplary leadership style, which he said, has engendered peace, stability and development of the state since his assumption of office in February 2020.
Enogha, who was Chairman, House Committee on Sports, said the forum appreciates the impactful developmental efforts of the Governor’s Prosperity Administration across the state.
“Nobody can contradict the fact that you are indeed a Miracle Governor. You are magnanimous in your disposition. You carry everyone along in your government and that is why we are proud of you.
“We are not a pressure group that fights government, but we stand shoulder to shoulder in support of a government like yours.
“We must place on record that you have a large heart and that is why you brought a good number of our members on board your government.
“You have pulled out over 15 of our active members such as the Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, Dr. Gentle Emelah, Commissioner for Education, and Dr. Peter Akpe, the Acting Chief of Staff, Government House and many others”, he said.
The forum also commended the Diri administration for collaborating with security agencies to sustain the prevailing peace and security in the state.
The former lawmakers requested the Governor’s intervention in issuance of Certificate of Occupancy on eight plots of land earlier allocated to the forum to facilitate the ownership and construction of a legislative research centre and guest house.
Responding, Governor Diri expressed appreciation to the forum for the endorsement, noting that it would spur him to do more for the state.
“We need all hands to be on deck to tackle our developmental challenges. We need to take our destiny in our hands to conquer our environment”, Diri said.
He assured the forum that he would look into their appeal and see how government would engage more of their members to tap into their wealth of experience.
He directed the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to facilitate the issuing of the Certificate of Occupancy and waive other forms of payment for the land.
Diri also directed the Director of Protocol to update and upgrade the protocol list of all former legislators at both state and national levels, former ministers from the state, and former commissioners.
Members of the forum present were Chief Prosper Nwaguzo, Dr. Ebi Komonibo, Vivien Ere, Charles Emmanuel and B.Z.l Oniye.
Others were, Boulus Indiamaowei, Target Segibo, Kenigbolo Ogilivie, Archbishop Alex Eseimokumo, Amakiri Etebu, Chief Augustus Osomu, Waripamo Dudafa and Aaron Alokpa.
Also in attendance were Jonathan Obuebite, Angus Dida, Ebamua Empere, Kuroakegha Dorgu, Obiene Iniobio, Parkinson Mac-Manuel, Watson Belemote, David Obuma, Dr. Odiyovwi Osusu, Dein Binadoumene and Imomotimi Fanama.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa