To combat the menace of oil theft in communities across the state, chairmen of the eight local government councils in Bayelsa State have been mandated to constitute task force in their areas.

Governor Douye Diri, who stated this on Tuesday during a meeting with local government chairmen in Government House, Yenagoa, said the decision to set up the local government task force on oil theft was borne out of a meeting between governors of the oil producing states and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, last week in Abuja.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying that the teams would collaborate with the Bayelsa State Community Safety Corps to check oil theft.

Senator Diri noted that the incidence of crude oil bunkering and theft have had multiple effects, including low oil production output thereby affecting revenue accruing to states as well as degradation of the ecosystem.

According to him, “arising from the meeting in Abuja, l have also invited you since you are at the local government level of governance in the fight against crude oil theft.

“The issue of oil theft and oil bunkering are of serious concern in our local government areas and since the federal government has involved states and local governments in combating the menace, all hands must be on deck to stamp it out.

“Federal government is working to shore up oil production and if we are able to stop oil theft, production will increase thereby increasing revenues for states and local governments.”

On the August 1 nationwide protest, Senator Diri charged council chairmen to assert their authority by ensuring that the prevailing peace was maintained across communities in the state.

He equally directed that council chairmen should liaise with officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with a view to provide accommodation to the agency to enable it carry out its duties in their areas.

…Gov. Diri Commissions Alamieyeseigha’s statue…thanks Bayelsa lawmaker for transforming NDU roundabout in Amassoma

…admonishe leaders to shun politics of hatred and bitterness

“Let me personally appreciate the Honourable member. This is what we expect from other representatives. We know the economy is very difficult but the little you can, please contribute to the development of the people you are representing.

So, thank you Hon. Felix Bonny Ayah, you have set a pace.

“I like to appreciate the Amassoma community, Southern Ijaw Local Government, the Chairman, Vice and all others, who have put this together to ensure that the memories of our departed hero, will continue to live on.

Having said that, for us, late DSP Alamieyeseigha meant so much to all of us, particularly those of us, who are Bayelsans. Today should be a day for us to reflect about the life and times of Alamieyeseigha. To some, he was a father, an uncle, a friend, a giver, and he was a lover.

However, the politics of our State has been fought with hatred and bitterness, that has divided us rather than unite us. I want to observe today, that as we remember this hero, let that politics of hatred, bitterness and division leave us in this State. Let us look at the positive side of DSP Alamieyeseigha. We have to be united using Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha as a point of contact.”

~Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, speaking at the 6th Annual Memorial Anniversary of Late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha and commissioning of his statue at the Niger Delta University (NDU) Roundabout, Amassoma.

*Jonathan, Diri, Dickson, IGP Pay Tribute To Late DIG

Former Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Deputy Inspector General of Police Moses Jitoboh, was on Saturday interred in his hometown, Trofani, in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Dr. Jonathan, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, his predecessor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, as well as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, were among prominent individuals at the funeral.

In his tribute, Jonathan recalled how he met the late Jitoboh during his time as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa and hailed him for his diligent service to him and Nigeria.

He described his death as very painful but urged his family to take solace in the worthy life he lived.

Jonathan recounted how he created the office of Chief Security Officer in the presidency because of the late senior police officer when he became president and needed a soldier as ADC.

He stated that Jitoboh’s legacy of service will be remembered for a long time and prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

His words: “I saw in him someone with a bright future, who needed to be encouraged. That is why I took him to Abuja as my ADC when I was Vice President.

“I created the office of CSO in the Villa because of Moses. He died at a very young age but we thank God for giving him to us.”

Also speaking, Governor Douye Diri described the late Jitoboh as humble, peaceful and result-oriented, saying he will be missed not just by his family but by the entire ijaw nation.

Governor Diri stated that when Jitobo visited him, he urged him to drop his case against the Nigeria Police but he explained that he did not do it for himself but for the sake of justice, stressing that the late DIG always wanted what was right and just to be done.

The Bayelsa helmsman described his death as a huge loss not only to the people of Trofani and the ijaw nation but also to Nigeria and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.

He said: “Moses was humble, peaceful, sound and result-oriented. He was a man that was always friendly and was concerned about the development and growth of the ijaw nation.

“He always wanted justice and equity. He is indeed a great loss to Nigeria.”

Also, Seriake Dickson said Trofani lost an illustrious son that was loyal, committed and dedicated to service of fatherland. and extended his condolences to his family and all those affected by his death.

He said: “Trofani community has a tradition of selfless service to Nigeria through the police force as it has produced so many police officers.”

Senator Dickson, who went down memory lane to recall how he struck a relationship with the late Jitoboh at the Police Academy in Kano, stressed the need for leaders of the ijaw nation to build men, citing the examples of the late Chief Diepreue Alamieyeseigha and Dr. Jonathan, who played prominent roles in the life of the late top police officer.

In his remarks, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Deputy Inspector General Basil Idegwu, described the late Jitoboh as a courageous, forthright and disciplined professional.

Egbetokun acknowledged that his death will be painful for his family but urged them to take solace in the fact that he lived a successful life and left enduring legacies.

Bishop Peter Leghemo, in a sermon titled; “The Greatest Achievement,” said death was inevitable regardless of how good or bad a person was but stressed the need for humans to have their names in the book of life.

Daniel Alabrah

Chief Press Secretary

Saturday, March 8, 2025

*Asks FG To Cancel Revocation

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Wednesday, made emphatic clarifications on the state’s position about its Atala oil marginal field (OML 46), which licence was revoked by the federal government through the Department of Petroleum Resources in April 2020.

Governor Diri, who was commenting on the issue publicly for the first time amid the controversy it had generated in recent times, expressed shock over the revocation.

He said the marginal oil field remained a prized asset of the state to which it is sentimentally attached and called on the federal government to reconsider its decision on the matter.

The governor stated this position before commencement of the weekly state executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as calling on all concerned parties, including the DPR, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, to consider returning the oil field to the state.

He noted that the people and government of Bayelsa were emotionally and sentimentally attached to it, saying is the only oil asset owned by the state.

His words: “There has been this issue of the Bayelsa State-owned Atala Oil Field. We kept a studied silence over the matter because we needed to have all the information that led to the revocation of the licence on our state-owned asset.

“Bayelsans are emotionally and sentimentally attached to that asset as it is the only oil asset we own even though it is a marginal oil field. It was a surprise and rude shock to us that the licence was revoked.

“Part of what I have done in the last one week of my absence was to state the position of the Bayelsa State Government, which I did very clearly to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So our position on Atala Oil Field is that it is a prized asset of Bayelsa State and that revocation should be cancelled. Unequivocally, we have said so and we believe that those in authority would see reason why we are sentimentally and emotionally attached to the Atala Oil Field.

“Bayelsa State government might not have the financial capacity or the technical know-how. But the government is ready to partner financial and technical experts to ensure that the field goes into full production.

“Therefore, let me use the opportunity to inform Exco that your government has actually taken a position on the Atala Oil Field and that it should remain a property of the Bayelsa State government.

“I call on all who are concerned on the Atala Oil Field, namely DPR, the Petroleum Ministry, NNPC and indeed our own son, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, to do all within their powers to ensure that the Atala Oil Field is returned to Bayelsa State.”

Senator Diri also disclosed that in the past week, he met with foreign missions and high commissions in Abuja in a bid to attract foreign direct investments to the state.

The governor stressed that the move was aimed at changing the stereotype of the state on insecurity, and expressed optimism that these dialogues would payoff soon for the state.

Drug Abuse Killing Our Youths, Says Gov. Diri

*UNODC, NDLEA Commend Bayelsa Effort Against Scourge

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has bemoaned the effect of drug use and abuse on Nigerian youths, saying it was destroying their future.

Speaking at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall of the Government House, Yenagoa, during a Stakeholders Mega Sensitisation Campaign on Drug Abuse and Prevention, Governor Diri said the commitment of his administration to eradication of the scourge was premised on its adverse effect on the society.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Wednesday, quoted the governor as expressing the readiness of his administration to make the state free of drug abuse.

He called on all hands to be on deck in the fight against drug abuse, saying the government and relevant agencies alone cannot achieve the desired result.

He further stated that the desire to rid the state of drug abuse and its consequences led to setting up of the Bayelsa State Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee.

In furtherance of this, Diri stated that he has directed the construction of a psychiatric hospital, which would be completed within one year.

The governor charged youths of the state to shun drug abuse, saying it only destroyed their future and added no meaning to their lives as some persons try to make them believe.

His words: “Drugs and crime go together. The best approach to stop crime is to stop the youths from use of drugs. We all have the responsibility to check drug abuse as it is not the duty for only government.

“We will stop at nothing until all parts of Bayelsa State is free of drug abuse and its effects. We cannot afford to have our youths involved in drug abuse. Some of them are very brilliant. Rather than choosing ife, they have chosen the path of death.”

In their goodwill messages, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) represented by the Director-General/Secretary, Mr. Shadrach Haruna, and the Country Representative of United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Oliver Stolpe, commended the efforts of the state government toward eradicating drug abuse.

Gen. Marwa said the initiatives to combat drug peddling and use by the state government were in line with the policy of the agency.He called on all tiers of government and traditional rulers to support the fight against drug abuse.

Mr Stolpe, on his part, said recent statistics suggested that drug use prevalence was very high and that the South-South ranked the highest.

According to him, drug control stands on three perspective, enforcement, prevention, treatment and cure, which he said must have equal attention and resources.

He noted that the Bayelsa government had shown commitment in the quest to combat drug use and commended Governor Diri for constituting a committee on drug prevention and dedicating a health facility for drug treatment.

He promised to work with the state to rid the state of the scourge.

In her welcome address, chairman of the Bayelsa State Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee (BADAPARC), Dr. Faith Izibenua, said the committee has adopted a three-pronged strategy towards addressing the scourge namely, school, faith and community-based approach.

Delivering a keynote address, Prof. Helen Osinowo lauded the government for setting up the BADAPARC and praised the committee for a job well done while calling for the setting up of a registry to speed up the fight against drug abuse.

Reels Out Projects, Commends Media

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said his administration has done creditably well one year after assuming office regardless of the numerous challenges it faced.

Senator Diri, who stated this on Wednesday evening during an interactive session with media practitioners in Yenagoa, recounted his stewardship in the period under review.

The governor enumerated a number of projects being executed by his administration and lauded the media for the objective reportage of his administration.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as having mobilised contractors to resume work on the West and Central senatorial districts roads.

He said contract for the federal Yenagoa-Oporoma road started by his predecessor was reviewed upwards to about N27 billion, including construction of a bridge to link the road to Oporoma in the central flank of the state.

According to Senator Diri, one billion was released for the ongoing rehabilitation of all the internal roads in the capital city as well as re-awarding of the contract for construction of Phase 2 of the Gloryland Drive road from the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene to link the Amassoma road.

He also said work was ongoing on the Igbogene-Bayelsa Palm outer ring road as contract for the job had been re-awarded.

On the eastern flank, the governor hinted that his government had awarded the contract for re-construction of the collapsed Elebele bridge in addition to the Imiringi bridge, which is almost completed and slated for commissioning this weekend.

Responding to requests by chairman of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he directed the Works and Infrastructure Commissioner to inspect the Ernest Ikoli/NUJ Press Centre with a view to giving it a facelift.

While commending journalists in the state for their support to his administration, Governor Diri also directed that the DiriBoost scheme be extended to media personnel in the state.

He further stated that his government was developing a blueprint on agriculture and small and medium scale enterprises as part of efforts to empower Bayelsans to take charge of the local economy.

To this end, he disclosed that the state House of Assembly had given approval for the state government to secure two agricultural loans from the Central  Bank of Nigeria with minimal interest rates to empower Bayelsa farmers.

According to him, government has already accessed N3 billion agricultural credit facility from the CBN while another N8 billion was being awaited.

He allayed the fears of Bayelsans while explaining that the essence of securing such loans was to empower Bayelsa farmers and not the state government, pointing out that other states were already benefitting from the CBN agricultural credit facilities.

“We decided to log into the CBN from where so many states have benefited in loans with single digit interest rates. 

“We didn’t go for those loans for the state government but in the interest of our farmers so that our people will also be beneficiaries of these facilities that several other states had accessed far more than we have.”

On payment of weigh-in arrears for members of chapels not yet captured, Diri directed the Commissioner for Information to bring up the matter for his approval.

In his speech, chairman of the state council of the NUJ, Comrade Samuel Numunengi, sought the governor’s attention on welfare issues for journalists in the state.

While applauding him for appointing media practitioners into his cabinet, Comrade Numonengi stressed the need to support media workers for basic journalism training.

In their separate remarks, the General Manager, Peoples FM, Chief Lawson Hayford, representing Network of Heads of Broadcast Organisations (NEHBORS) and representative of the Federated and United Correspondents Chapels, Chris Eze, hailed the governor for his visionary leadership.

Also, Mr Francis Dufugha representing Bayelsa Independent Publishers Association (BIPA) and Bayelsa Federated Newspaper Publishers Association (BAFENPA) urged the governor to revitalise the printing press and assist them with an operational vehicle.

The governor however did not accede to a request for monthly support allowance, saying it would prevent journalists from practising their profession without hindrance.

He said as a firm believer in a robust and free press, he would not do anything to stifle or censor the work of journalists in the state.

Bayelsa State Government has said reports of the state-sponsored football team, Bayelsa United, signing a new shirt sponsorship deal with Halkin Exploration and Production Limited for the rest of the 2023/24 Nigerian Professional Football League season were embarrassing.

The government said it neither approved nor endorsed such a deal for the team in the ongoing football season.

Halkin Exploration and Production Limited had been at the centre of the controversy surrounding the alleged acquisition of Oil Mining Lease 46 (also known as the Atala Oilfield) belonging to the Bayelsa State government.

Governor Douye Diri kicked against the revocation of the OML 46 licence by the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in April 2020, describing the oilfield as a “prized asset of the state.”

A statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Wednesday said the reports about the kitting deal were mischievous as they were presented as having the governor’s consent.

The statement noted that while Governor Diri has been a strong advocate of private sector investment in sports, his administration would however not accept any arrangement that ignored due diligence and due process.

The statement read: “The State Governor, Senator Diri, expresses surprise and embarrassment over reports of a new kit sponsorship deal signed by the state-owned football team, Bayelsa United.

“The governor wishes to unequivocally place on record that he is not aware of any such deal involving Bayelsa United and Halkin Exploration and Production Limited.

“Governor Diri has consequently directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Daniel Igali, and the Bayelsa United chairman, Ebiki Timitimi, to immediately halt the process pending the conclusion of a full-scale investigation into the matter.”

The statement explained that preliminary investigation revealed that due diligence and the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities were ignored in the deal.

The government cautioned its boards, agencies and parastatals against acting unilaterally on matters concerning the state to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Daniel Alabrah

Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor

…promises support for planned NJI zonal headquarter in Bayelsa

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri, today received the Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary in his office in Yenagoa.

The committee led by Hon. Oluwole Oke, used the opportunity of the visit to inform the governor of the plan in place to situate the National Judicial Institute (NJI) South South Zonal headquarters in Bayelsa State.

The governor after receiving the committee, promised to support the project to reality, as it will compliment the South South Law School already situated in the state.

“We receive you formally to the most peaceful state in Nigeria, Bayelsa State.

We all know that our problem in Nigeria is multi-faceted, people will always first point to the executives, because the executives are the ones doing the day-to-day implementation. But it doesn’t end there, the Judiciary also has its challenges, and I am sure that you will truly look into those challenges and proffer solutions to those challenges we already know and identify in the Judiciary.

Thank you for the NJI you mentioned that it is to be sited here in Bayelsa, and since we have the South-South Law School here in Yenagoa, this will complement a school like that.

I can assure you that the State Government will support bringing the NJI to Yenagoa” the governor said.

…Gov. Diri swears in two new RDA Chairmen

…assures Bayelsans of sustainable power supply

We’ll Still Support Local Governments In Bayelsa, Says Gov Diri

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said his administration will continue to give financial support to local governments in the state regardless of the judgement of the Supreme Court that granted autonomy to the councils.

Governor Diri stated this on Wednesday while swearing in chairmen of two Rural Development Authorities (RDAs) during the 134th state executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.

He explained that some of the councils in the state run into deficit after paying workers and teachers and that the government will continue to augment their funds in order for them not to suffer.

He further stated that contrary to the impression that states were tampering with local government funds paid through the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC), the case of Bayelsa was different as the government instead augmented their funds.

The governor noted that creation of the RDAs was part of the government’s initiative of taking development to the nook and cranny of the state.

He charged the newly sworn in chairmen to discharge their duties dutifully and humbly to the people at the grassroots.

He said: “My administration will continue to give full support to the local government system, regardless of the Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy.

“Unlike the impression being peddled that state governments control what goes to the local government accounts after FAAC allocation, the Bayelsa State government augments their funds, as some local councils run in deficit.

“You are carrying the banner of this Prosperity Government to your rural development authorities. I charge you to discharge your duties dutifully and humbly to the people at the grassroots.”

Those sworn-in were Mr. Andrew Ikputu-Kirifa for Ogboin South/Tarakiri RDA and Mr. Christian Egbo for Ogbia Central RDA.

The governor, again, expressed concern over the destruction to the power transmission lines serving the state by vandals that has thrown the state into total darkness.

He said he has kept the Commissioner for Power and Managing Director of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company on their toes working with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to ensure that power was quickly restored while the government’s plan to achieve independent power supply for the state was on course.

Bayelsa State Government says it will give all necessary support to the state-owned Izon-Ebe Micro-Finance Bank (IMFB), to enable it achieve financial self-sustenance.

The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the assurance on Thursday, when the Management Board of the bank led by its Chairman, Chief Ayakeme Whiskey, paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo applauded the leadership of the bank for taking the bold step towards achieving financial self-reliance, through the utilization of available capacities.

Describing the move as a welcome development, the Deputy Governor assured that government would give the IMFB the needed assistance to enable it overcome its immediate challenges including funding gaps.

Responding to the IMFB proposal of providing banking services for local government workers and primary school teachers in the state, Senator Ewhrudjakpo stressed the need to carry out a proper feasibility assessment before transferring staff salary accounts from where they are.

He noted that over 70 percent of local government workers have sourced and obtained loans from commercial banks, adding that such workers have to pay up their loan liabilities before they can migrate to the IMFB.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo therefore advised IMFB to meet with the management of the various councils, workers’ unions, commercial banks and other critical stakeholders to work out the right modalities for such transfer.

He also suggested that the IMFB should look at the possibility of incorporating community banking services in its rural operations to broaden its clientele and profitability.

Presenting a proposal earlier, the Board Chairman of the Izon-Ebe Micro-Finance Bank, Chief Ayakeme Whiskey, thanked the state government for releasing about N200 million to the Izon-ebe Micro-Finance Bank as part of efforts to recapitalize the bank.

He however, appealed to the State Government to direct the transfer of council workers and primary school school teachers’ salary accounts to the IMFB to strengthen its operations and competitive capacity.

According to Chief Whiskey, “if the IMFB is given the mandate to manage accounts of the local government staff, primary school teachers, and those of the junior secondary school teachers, it would provide enough business for the bank, and increase the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state.

The Chairman was accompanied in the visit by the bank’s Managing Director, Hon. Nengi Rufus-Spiff; the Director of Finance and Budget, Mr. Micah Anthony, and the Director of Business Development and Credit Risk Management, Mr. Eneyi Zidougha.