Diri Urges Bayelsa Politicians To Follow Due Process Ahead Of 2027 Polls, Receives Multiple Awards
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has urged political aspirants in the state to pursue their ambitions in line with existing laws and democratic principles as activities begin to build toward the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Wednesday during the State Executive Council meeting at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, the governor emphasized the need for restraint among politicians, stressing that politics should be driven by service to the people rather than personal ambition.
He assured that no aspirant would be denied the opportunity to contest but underscored the importance of respecting zoning arrangements where applicable. Diri also noted that where consensus could not be reached within political parties, direct primaries should be conducted in accordance with party guidelines.
“We are in the political season, and I like the way it is going because nobody is forcing anyone,” the governor said. “For some obvious reasons, such as zoning, we have advised that where, for instance, a House of Assembly member has served just one term, he should be allowed to return, except otherwise. If there is no consensus, the party has directed that we conduct direct primaries.”
He reiterated his call for political actors to remain law-abiding and measured in their conduct throughout the electoral season.
At the meeting, the governor also received several awards presented by members of the council in recognition of the state’s achievements across key sectors.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, presented an award recognizing exceptional leadership and contributions to healthcare development, public service, and human capital advancement. The honour, he said, came from a body of nurses across Commonwealth countries and reflected Bayelsa’s progress in the health sector.
According to Brisibe, the recognition was based on initiatives such as the upgrade of the School of Nursing Sciences to a College of Nursing Sciences, the completion of a 250-capacity ICT centre at the College of Nursing and Midwifery in Tombia, and the recruitment of 200 nurses and midwives to strengthen primary healthcare delivery.
He added that the governor was also honoured by the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, for his sustained contributions to healthcare development, including his tenure as a legislator in the National Assembly.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Izibenua-Zibs, presented an “Appreciation of Service Award” from the Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management. The award acknowledged the governor’s role in establishing what she described as Nigeria’s first subnational Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), also presented an Environmental Rights Governance Award conferred by the Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Institute in collaboration with Call A Lawyer. He said the recognition highlighted the administration’s commitment to good governance and the protection of human rights.
Responding, Governor Diri dedicated the awards to the entire administration, noting that they reflected collective efforts in governance.
“As I always say, these are our awards, and all of us have done very well. We can hold our heads high knowing that we are not violating human rights in Bayelsa,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in critical sectors, particularly healthcare, while also highlighting the strategic importance of the marine economy to the state’s development.
“We are a marine people, and there was every reason to establish the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, especially now that the Federal Government is giving the sector due recognition,” he added.
