From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has assured that his administration will focus on provision of potable water in the state capital and environs upon completion of the independent power plant project by end of this year.
Governor Diri also said the state will soon take delivery of the 60mw twin gas-powered turbines procured by the government as work on the installation site at Elebele was near completion.
Senator Diri gave the assurance on Wednesday while addressing a large crowd at the King Koko Square in Nembe, headquarters of the Nembe Local Government Area, in continuation of his Thank-You Tour of the eight councils in the state.
“On the issue of power, there is good news. As you are aware, your state government has procured an independent power plant and very soon, we will no longer depend on the existing power supply arrangement. We will soon take delivery of the 60 mega watt gas turbines and the site for the installation is almost completed.
“We are rich in gas and by the end of this year, the problem of power supply will be a thing of the past in this state. It is expected to cover Yenagoa, Nembe, Ogbia, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Sagbama and parts of Ekeremor local government areas.
“Once we are through with the power issue, we will ensure that water is made available in Yenagoa, Nembe and in most of our local government areas.”
On the request for construction of the Igbeta-Ewoama-Okoroba road, the governor explained that the administration was beginning to face constraints of time but that it will partner federal agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission and the South-South Development Commission on this and other road projects connecting communities to the state capital.
Diri appreciated the people of Nembe Kingdom for turning out in their large numbers and for the warm reception accorded his entourage.
He particularly thanked them for their support in re-electing him and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in the 2023 governorship poll, which he noted enabled his administration provide impactful leadership.
“We promised that when you elect us for a second term, we will come back to say thank you. So, this is the time to express our gratitude to the people of Nembe Local Government Area.”
In their goodwill messages, the immediate past deputy governor and chairman of the Bayelsa State Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo (SAN), expressed delight about the ongoing Nembe-Brass road project and for the governor’s effort to restore peace in Nembe-Bassambiri community.
Also, the Nembe Council chairman, Chief David Alagoa, and a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate, Chief Blessing Izagara, said Nembe will never forget Senator Diri for his good works.
They also appealed to the governor to provide potable water, health facilities among other projects for the people of Nembe.
Upon arrival, Governor Diri visited the palace of the Mingi XIII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Daukoru, where he thanked the royal father for his support and blessings during the 2023 poll.
He promised to renovate the palace pavilion where he was received.
In his remarks, King Daukoru thanked Diri for the visit and for construction of the Nembe-Brass road.
He presented gifts of books, a hat and walking stick among other items to the governor.
“People always say that politicians only come when they want blessings to contest elections but you have proved them completely wrong. What you promised, you have done. The blessings of the throne will keep flowing for you,” the monarch prayed.
On the governor’s entourage were his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Senator Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East), Hon. Marie Ebikake representing Nembe-Brass Federal Constituency, her colleagues, Dr. Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency), Dr. Mitema Obordor (Ogbia Federal Constituency) and Hon. Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency) as well as Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere and other state legislators.
Also present were a former Chief of Naval Staff and Chairman, Bassambiri Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Vice Admiral Victor Ombu (Rtd), the Secretary to State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Head of Service, Mrs Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, traditional rulers and top government functionaries.
