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Tag: Bayelsa state

  • PDP Applauds Victory, Thanks Citizens for Massive Support in Bayelsa Gubernatorial Election

    PDP Applauds Victory, Thanks Citizens for Massive Support in Bayelsa Gubernatorial Election

    By Milcah Tanimu

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has expressed its joy and appreciation following the victory of Senator Douye Diri and his running mate, Senator Lawrence Ewhrujadkpo, in the recently held gubernatorial election on November 11. Describing the outcome as a significant win for democracy, the party emphasized the triumph of the people’s will in their pursuit of maintaining the state’s trajectory towards peace, growth, and progress.

    In an official statement released by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ebiye Ogoli, the PDP conveyed gratitude to various segments of society, including elder statesmen, leaders of thought, politicians across party lines, youths, women, religious and cultural groups, and all citizens who demonstrated unwavering faith and confidence in Governor Diri through their votes.

    The party acknowledged the victory as the dawn of a hopeful era for rapid socio-economic development and prosperity in Bayelsa. It called for continued support for the Prosperity Government, urging all Bayelsans to unite and contribute to the state’s progress.

    The statement also addressed and condemned violent attacks on PDP supporters by the opposition, commending the courage of those who stood up for democracy during the election. The PDP emphasized that despite the challenges and sacrifices made by its supporters, the election outcome reflected the determination of the Bayelsa electorate to exercise their inalienable right to vote.

    The PDP lauded the people’s bold and courageous spirit, emphasizing that no amount of intimidation, threats, or violence could deter them from participating in the democratic process. The party urged the citizens to remain united and peaceful while continuing to support the Diri-led administration in delivering on its promises for the betterment of Bayelsa State.) in Bayelsa State has expressed its joy and appreciation following the victory of Senator Douye Diri and his running mate, Senator Lawrence Ewhrujadkpo, in the recently held gubernatorial election on November 11. Describing the outcome as a significant win for democracy, the party emphasized the triumph of the people’s will in their pursuit of maintaining the state’s trajectory towards peace, growth, and progress.

    In an official statement released by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ebiye Ogoli, the PDP conveyed gratitude to various segments of society, including elder statesmen, leaders of thought, politicians across party lines, youths, women, religious and cultural groups, and all citizens who demonstrated unwavering faith and confidence in Governor Diri through their votes.

    The party acknowledged the victory as the dawn of a hopeful era for rapid socio-economic development and prosperity in Bayelsa. It called for continued support for the Prosperity Government, urging all Bayelsans to unite and contribute to the state’s progress.

    The statement also addressed and condemned violent attacks on PDP supporters by the opposition, commending the courage of those who stood up for democracy during the election. The PDP emphasized that despite the challenges and sacrifices made by its supporters, the election outcome reflected the determination of the Bayelsa electorate to exercise their inalienable right to vote.

    The PDP lauded the people’s bold and courageous spirit, emphasizing that no amount of intimidation, threats, or violence could deter them from participating in the democratic process. The party urged the citizens to remain united and peaceful while continuing to support the Diri-led administration in delivering on its promises for the betterment of Bayelsa State.

  • 2023: What Atiku promises Bayelsa electorates

    2023: What Atiku promises Bayelsa electorates

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has promised the Niger Delta people that his administration will devolve powers from the centre and restructure Nigeria if elected.

    Atiku, who spoke at the campaign rally of the PDP in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Monday, noted that the people of the region had been clamouring for resource control and the restructuring of the country and that his government, when elected, would accede to their demands.

    He reiterated the implementation of his five-point developmental agenda for the nation, which he listed as the unification of the country, tackling insecurity, the economy, ending the strike in universities, and restructuring.

    He said, “I promised to tackle insecurity. Here in Bayelsa State, you have faced a number of security challenges. You have lost so many people due to breaches of law and order. I promise I will restore security in this country.

    “We proposed to restructure this country. You people in the Niger Delta need more restructuring than any other part of this country. We will give you more resources and more powers to deal with your problems. You don’t have to always start begging the Federal Government.”

    In his remarks, the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, said Atiku was the only presidential candidate who had pledged to give the Ijaw people, and indeed the Niger Delta, restructuring.

    Diri said partly, “Now, the only candidate who has keyed in and who has talked about what the Ijaw people want and what the people of Bayelsa want is Atiku; we have been talking about: resource control, Atiku is the only candidate that has talked about the restructuring of this country. Therefore, Atiku and the PDP are the only candidates and parties for which the Ijaw people will vote.”

    Also speaking, the vice presidential candidate of the PDP and governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, called on the people of Bayelsa State to give the party no fewer than 700,000 votes, while the geopolitical zone should deliver at least five million votes for the PDP at the presidential polls.

  • What Jonathan told Peter Obi During His Visit in Bayelsa

    What Jonathan told Peter Obi During His Visit in Bayelsa

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has applauded the standard bearer of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, who he said was the first presidential candidate to lead a delegation to visit him.

    The courtesy visit to Jonathan’s home in Yenagoa took place before Obi’s rally in Bayelsa State on Friday.

    While commending Obi for his cultured public utterances, the ex-president urged him to make a unity of Nigeria his priority if elected as president.

    He said, “I want to thank you that you are the first presidential candidate to pay a courtesy visit to me. I want to use this opportunity to encourage you in what you are doing.

    I have been listening to comments from political leadership and sometimes our supporters do more damage on our behalf. And I must commend you because your utterances so far have not shown any division. Just keep doing what is right.

    If you win, you will be a president for the whole nation, you won’t be a President for any group of people.

    “For Nigeria to move forward we need unity. There were predictions in the late 50s and early 60s that Nigeria and some other countries will be at par, and we normally ask ourselves why are we where we are now. This was predicted by intellectuals, people who study the world and predicted that Nigeria, India, Brazil etc but all those countries left us but we are still where we are. We Nigerians must ask ourselves one question, why are we not able to move with others?

    “In terms of tribal and religious sentiments, they are almost in every nation but the degree we have in Nigeria is very debilitating. It is what is pushing us backwards. We have a country that we do not believe we belong to the country. Most of our leaders would say Nigeria is not a nation. We have different nationalities and geographical expressions but I believe that young people, especially if we must move forward must put those sentiments aside.

    “Every nation, every country has their own history. A Nigerian must see himself as a Nigerian. We must see ourselves as one. And if I am the President, if the best person to hold a particular office is from Enugu, Ibadan, or Sokoto, it doesn’t matter. And until we get to that point as a nation, we cannot move anywhere. We have been putting square pegs in round holes because of religious, tongues and tribal sentiments.

    “If by divine providence you win the election, your first responsibility is to unite Nigeria. Without unity, we cannot solve our security problems. Without unity, we cannot solve our economic problems. If you unite Nigeria, that is the beginning of a new Nigeria, and the revolution and the development that will take place.”

    Appreciating his warm gesture and hospitality, an excited Obi promised to do his best to unite the people.

    He also vowed to bring back the glory days of the country when he gets elected as president at the February 25 presidential poll.

    “Nobody can talk about peace, and unity today without reference to you. All we have been preaching throughout our campaign is that we want to unite Nigeria we want to ensure that Nigeria moves back to where her per capital was a few years before.

    “All these are in reference to you so I am here personally as your own junior brother to pay respect and loyalty. I am sure you must have endorsed your own,” Obi said.

  • Floods: FG Dispatches Relief Items to Bayelsa

    Floods: FG Dispatches Relief Items to Bayelsa

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Aftermath of the floods which recked havoc on many Communities in Bayelsa State, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development said it has despatched the second batch of food and non-food items through its operations agency, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to the state.

    According to the ministry the ongoing airlifting of relief materials by the Airforce to flood relief interventions to Bayelsa commenced on the 25th October, 2022.

    NEMA, through the South South zonal office, delivered assorted relief materials comprising food and non-food items for immediate distribution in Otegwe and Ibelebiri communities of Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa.

    Following heavy flooding of the East West Road linking to the state,
    the Nigerian Airforce intervened in airlifting operations of relief items from Benin Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport and the subsequent use of helicopters to move the items to the Helipad in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    NEMA has equally procured more relief items for a third intervention in less than a month to be delivered to the state , the ministry said.

  • Every Single Community In Bayelsa Is Affected By Flood – Gov Diri

    Every Single Community In Bayelsa Is Affected By Flood – Gov Diri

    Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri, has lamented the ravaging flooding across the country, saying every community in the state is affected.

    The governor disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Newsnight, a pre-recorded show on Sunday.

    Obviously worried, Diri said the state government has converted primary and secondary schools that are not flooded into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

    Noting that the whole state is now one big IDP camp, the governor explained that centres have been opened particularly in Yenagoa, the capital, to house displaced persons and begin to attend to their needs.

    This is even as he explained that the state government, through its task force and the State Emergency Management Agency, has begun distributing items to cushion the effect of flooding on the people.

    “Every community in Bayelsa is an IDP camp. However in Yenagoa the capital city, we have designated some IDP camps. It is not an exaggeration, every community is an IDP camp,” Diri said.

    “We have a place called the Oxbow Lake which was used as an event centre. Today, that place has been opened for IDPs and we have no less than 2,000 IDPs in that centres. We also have all primary and secondary schools that are not yet flooded have been used as an IDP camp.”

    “That is why the Task Force, together with the State Emergency Management Agency keep distributing foodstuff to every local government and every community because no community is left out.”

    According to Diri, the state government is concerned about the possible outbreak of diseases among the IDPs.

    To address the issue, he stated that the Ministry of Health has also commenced the distribution of drugs to the people while the situation lasts.

    Bayelsa is one of the over 22 states in Nigeria that has been grappling with the issue of flooding recently. The situation has sacked many people from their homes and has destroyed many farmlands, with fears about the security of food.

    Already, over 600 persons have died in the recent floodings in Nigeria as of last Sunday.

    The disaster had also forced more than 1.3 million from their homes, said a statement by Nigeria’s ministry of humanitarian affairs, released on Twitter.

    “Unfortunately, over 603 lives have been lost as of today October 16, 2022,” said Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq.

    The previous toll from last week stood at 500, but the numbers had risen in part because some state governments had not prepared for the floods, said the minister.

  • Suspected Yahoo Boy Attempts to Behead Girlfriend for Money Rituals in Bayelsa

    Suspected Yahoo Boy Attempts to Behead Girlfriend for Money Rituals in Bayelsa

    A Nigerian man who is suspected to be an internet fraudster, ‘Yahoo boy’ has been apprehended by the police in Bayelsa State after an attempt to use his girlfriend for money rituals was foiled.

    According to reports surrounding the story, the suspect was nabbed when he was trying to behead the victim along SETRACO Road, Amassoma/Ogobiri axis of the state on Tuesday morning, September 21.

    The lady reported to be a student of the Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island (NDU) was fortunately rescued by youths of Ogobiri community and some police operatives.

    A post by Kokobaiye Abeki, Special Adviser to Governor Diri on New Media, tells that the suspect who has been dating the girl, lured her to Setraco Road along Ogobiri-Toruebeni drive.

    The post reads;

    “After he succeeded in roping her hands and legs, he was at the verge of cutting her neck when the savour of her nightmare (Ogobiri Youths) who traced his earlier movement through a revelation from a nearby person caught him together with the efforts of the men of the Operation Doo-Akpo NPF special squad.” Abeki wrote.

    The suspect has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police for more investigation.

  • Bayelsa Vigilante assures investors of conducive business environment

    Bayelsa Vigilante assures investors of conducive business environment

    Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

    The chairman of Bayelsa State vigilante service, Hon. Doubiye Alagba has assured intending local and foreign investors of a secured environment.

    Hon. Alagba urged investors to take advantage of investment opportunities that abound in the state.

    The chairman who made this known in a statement to newsmen, today, stated that the state vigilante is working in synergy with sister security outfits such as the Nigerian Police force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to rid the state of criminals.

    He said the inaugural commercial flights operation would open a vista of investment opportunities for the people of Bayelsa state.

    Alagba said the state vigilante security outfit has been motivated and charged by the State governor, Senator Douye Diri to step up action at curbing crime and criminality in the State.

    He further said that the recent AITEO FA cup that was won by the Bayelsa United and Queens is also another testament that, good things are now happening in the state.

    The Chairman Vigilante service also used the medium to congratulate the Governor and the state for the commencement of commercial activities for our International Cargo Airport.

    He also lauded opposition party members who where at the maiden commercial flight operation by the united Nigeria Airline to land Bayelsa airport.

    “I call on all Bayelsans irrespective of party differences to join hands with our Miracle Governor, Senator Douye Diri’s administration in order to ensure that he delivers on his promises of the prosperity agenda.

    “You are aware of how criminals robbed, killed and caused mayhem in other parts of the country, but here in Bayelsa we are living peacefully without any complain of activities of criminals”.

    He called on the people to cooperate with the state vigilante service about one activities of hoodlums.

    “These criminals are not from the sky, they live among us, we should cooperate to give useful information to the state vigilante outfit and other security agencies about activities of these criminals”. Alagba noted.

  • Gov Diri Imposes dusk-to-dawn curfew on Bayelsa communities

    Gov Diri Imposes dusk-to-dawn curfew on Bayelsa communities

    Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Bassambiri and Ogbolomabiri areas of the Nembe Local Government Area of the state.

    Diri said the curfew, which takes effect from Wednesday, was in a bid to prevent the escalation of violent crisis.

    This was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mr. Ayibaina Duba.

    There has been reports of violent crisis in the Nembe Local Government Area of the state.

    However, Duba said the curfew will run from 6pm to 6am daily until the situation improves.

    The statement read, “Bayelsa State Government has reviewed the reports of violent crisis in Nembe, leading to a breach of the public peace and the law by yet-to-be-identified individuals.

    “Worried that the violence might escalate, a dusk to dawn curfew is hereby imposed on Nembe; Bassambiri, Ogbolomabiri and environs effective from Wednesday, July 14, 2021.

    “The curfew shall be in force from 6pm to 6am daily until the security situation in the affected communities improves.”

  • BREAKING: Bayelsa Judicial Panel awards N21bn to victims of Police brutality

    BREAKING: Bayelsa Judicial Panel awards N21bn to victims of Police brutality

    The Bayelsa Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and other Related Offences has awarded N21 billion to victims of extra-judicial killings perpetrated by the police and other security operatives.

    Chairman of the Panel, rtd. Justice Young Ogola, disclosed this while submitting the report to Gov. Douye Diri in Yenagoa.

    Justice Ogola said the panel received and determined 50 petitions and made recommendations based on their findings.
    Out of the 50 cases, he said 11 police officers were recommended for prosecution, one for dismissal, four for demotion, while eight cases were struck out and two adjourned.

    The chairman, explained that the N21 billion was awarded in damages out of the 40 cases fully determined, adding that the amount included compensation to communities razed down by the Nigerian Army.

    Receiving the report, Gov. Diri thanked the panel for doing a thorough job and promised to set up a government White paper committee to look into the report with a view to implementing its recommendations.

    The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, noted that government would look for ways to bring relief to the victims and families within available resources.

    ”Although no amount of compensation can bring back some of the deceased, the compensation will ameliorate the suffering of the victims and families caused by the excesses of misguided security agents,” he said.
    While acknowledging the enormous task of the security agencies to secure lives and property, Diri, called on security personnel to enforce the law within the confines of the law.

    “The panel was set up to get to the root of injustice, violation of human rights and the best way with which police and other security agencies in the country will discharge their duties professionally with human face.
    “The issues you have raised will be looked into. The N21 billion awarded is appropriate, but for the security agencies to pay is another thing.

    “We will within the limits of available resources and procedures see how these victims will get reprieve.
    “While the law enforcement agencies have everyday to protect lives and property, they also have a duty to do that within the confines of responsibility and protection of human rights of all citizens,” he said.
    The panel was inaugurated on Oct. 28, 2020 after the #EndSars# nationwide protest.

    Other members of the panel are Mr Y.B. Ogola, Mr Alaowei Opokuma as Secretary, A.T. Ambaowei, Mr Fortune Alfred Godson, Miss Perelade Demanche both representing civil society and Russell Newman representing the National Human Rights Commission.

  • BREAKING: COVID-19: Bayelsa imposes curfew from 8pm to 6am

    BREAKING: COVID-19: Bayelsa imposes curfew from 8pm to 6am

    Bayelsa State government has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in the state from 8pm to 6am daily.

    The Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mr Ayibaina Duba, in a statement on Friday, said the curfew was part of the measures to prevent the spread of the surging trait of the new variants of COVID-19.

    He said the curfew takes effect from Sunday, May 16, 2021 until further notice.

    Duba said: “In view of this development, movements within as well as in and out of the state through the major entry points including Bayelsa/Delta states’ boundary at Adagbabiri, Gloryland Drive at Igbogene and Bayelsa/Rivers states’ boundary at Mbiama are prohibited during the hours of the curfew.

    “Relevant security agencies have been mobilised to enforce the curfew. Commuters and members of the general public are advised to take note of this development.”