Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has advised politicians in the state to pursue their ambitions within the ambit of the law and respect existing zoning arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor gave the admonition on Wednesday during the weekly State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa.
He emphasised that politics should be about service to the people rather than self-aggrandisement, and called for restraint as political activities intensify.
“We are in the political season, and I like the way it is going because nobody is forcing anyone,” he said.
Diri added that where zoning arrangements exist, they should be respected, particularly allowing House of Assembly members who have served only one term to seek re-election.
He noted that, in line with the All Progressives Congress (APC) directive, direct primaries would be conducted where consensus fails.
“No aspirant will be disenfranchised,” the governor assured, urging all politicians to operate within established rules and the law.
During the meeting, various awards won by the state in different sectors were presented.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, presented an award of exceptional leadership and outstanding contribution to healthcare development, public service, and human capital advancement, received from nurses in Commonwealth countries.
Brisibe said the award recognised the state’s performance in the health sector, including the upgrade of the School of Nursing Sciences to a College of Nursing Sciences and the completion of a 250-capacity ICT centre at the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Tombia.
He added that the recognition also reflected the government’s engagement of 200 midwives and nurses in primary healthcare, as well as improved welfare and professional development for health workers.
According to him, the governor was also honoured by the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, for his contributions to healthcare development and public service, including his time as a legislator in the National Assembly.
The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Izibenua-Zibs, also presented an “Appreciation of Service Award” from the Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management, recognising the governor’s role in establishing the first subnational Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Nigeria.
Similarly, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), presented an Environmental Rights Governance Award from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Human Rights Institute in collaboration with “Call A Lawyer.”
Dambo said the award acknowledged the governor’s leadership and commitment to good governance and human rights in Bayelsa State.
In his response, Governor Diri expressed appreciation for the awards, noting that they were a recognition of the collective efforts of his administration.
