Politics
Diri’s 5th Anniversary: Otu Hails Bayelsa Gov’s Achievements In Office
The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, on Monday, inaugurated the Road 24 High Profile Road, Okaka in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, as part of activities lined-up for the commemoration of Governor Douye Diri’s 5th year in office celebrations.
The Tide reports that Governor Diri, who has been in the spree of inauguration, also flagged off medical outreaches as part of the anniversary activities.
Senator Otu, who doubles as vice chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, said considering the quality of the road, Senator Diri was making judicious use of the revenues from the federation allocation.
He described his Bayelsa State counterpart as a bold and courageous leader that they hold in high esteem and that he was making inroads in several areas of development of the state.
He also applauded Gov Diri for completing projects inherited from his predecessor, which he noted was the essence of continuity, expressing delight that with Gov Diri on the saddle, the state would soon enjoy 24 hours power supply.
The Cross River Chief Executive urged people of the state to continue supporting the government to enable it initiate more development projects.
On his part, Governor Diri said the Bayelsa landscape was wearing a new look as his administration would inaugurate projects across the length and breadth of the state.
“The inauguration of road infrastructure and other projects mark the commemoration of our fifth year in office. The face of the capital city, Yenagoa, is changing for good”, Governor Diri said.
The governor commended the Obenibe-Epie, King Malla Sasime, and the people for their peaceful conduct, which he said had enabled the contractor to deliver the project.
“The Epie people have been very supportive in all the development efforts we have been engaged in and that is the least we want from our traditional rulers and the people. That is why the state will continue to wear a new look at all times. The face of Yenagoa is changing and it will continue to change for good”, the Bayelsa State Chief Executive added.
According to him, the road project was initiated by his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, and that his administration continued and completed it for the benefit of the people.
While flagging off the statewide free medical outreach in Ikarama community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Governor Diri noted that the anniversary of his administration was usually preceded by medical outreaches because healthcare delivery was its priority and that without good health, its prosperity agenda would not be realised.
The governor said the facility was built in 1998 by Agip (now Oando) as part of its corporate social responsibility.
“It is heartwarming that today we have gathered to mark the flag off of the fifth anniversary of your government of Assured Prosperity and we are doing so in a grand style with a medical outreach in Ikarama community.
“We cannot be talking about prosperity without taking care of our health. That is why we always started our anniversaries with a medical outreach
“Today, this hospital has been put to use. I am aware that a medical doctor, nurses and other support staff have been posted here. Therefore, the hospital will now function as a cottage hospital”, Gov Diri said.
He advised the community to protect the facility and cooperate with staff to ensure its smooth operations.
Highlights of the event was the administration of vaccines on children and tour of the facility by Governor Diri.
The event was attended, among others, by the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, member representing Sagbama Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, top government functionaries and traditional rulers.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
During a press conference held in Owerri, the coalition called the campaign a “dangerous and shameful display” designed to distract the public from the governor’s performance in office.
The CSOs directly linked the Greater Imo Initiative (GII) —the group that made the allegations on September 4, 2025—to Governor Uzodimma, describing the group as his “mouthpiece and attack dog.”
“Every word spoken against INEC was spoken on his behalf.
“By falsely alleging that Professor Yakubu has an alliance with Dr. Amadi to compromise the 2027 elections, Uzodimma has not only maligned a man of proven integrity but also assaulted the very foundation of our democracy”, said Dr Agbo Frederick, speaking for the coalition.
The coalition described Professor Yakubu as a “beacon of electoral professionalism” and called the attempt to soil his reputation “defamatory and a national security risk.”
They also defended Dr. Amadi, a “respected development scholar,” stating that the governor’s accusations were “laughable, desperate, and dangerous.”
The CSOs see the motive behind the campaign as an attempt to “silence the dissent, intimidate the opposition, and divert attention from the governor’s abysmal record in office.”
The coalition issued four key demands to Governor Uzodimma: An immediate retraction of the false and defamatory allegations against Professor Mahmood Yakubu and Dr. Chima Amadi.
- A public apology to both men within seven days, to be published in at least three national newspapers and broadcast on major television networks.
- An end to diversionary tactics and proxy propaganda.
- A renewed focus on governance, including addressing insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Imo State.
The CSOs warned that failure to comply would force them to “review our position with a view to seeking legal redress from Governor Uzodimma for defamation, false accusation, and reckless endangerment of lives.”
“Governor Uzodimma must be reminded that he did not find himself in the seat of power to chase shadows.
“We call on all Nigerians to reject Uzodimma’s diversionary antics as they are nothing short of desperate plots by a government terrified of accountability”, the statement concluded.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties violates democratic principles and disenfranchises her constituents.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Mallam Abdullahi said.
The party noted that denying Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the chamber silences the voice of the people who elected her, adding that the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.
The ADC also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for declining to process her resumption on grounds that the matter was before the courts, arguing that the Clerk’s role was administrative, not judicial.
“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the party stated.
Highlighting that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC warned that the handling of the case sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.
“Any action that resembles gender intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Mallam Abdullahi added.
The ADC insisted that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter was about more than one individual.
“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party said.