News Waka Now - NWN, Ekeki, Yenagoa (2026)

08/10/2026

PRESS RELEASE

NDYGGA REJECTS UNVERIFIED ₦2.7 TRILLION PIPELINE CONTRACT CLAIM, CHALLENGES ASARI-DOKUBO TO APPLY THE SAME STANDARD OF ACCOUNTABILITY TO HIS OWN SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS

Port Harcourt, Rivers State — 8 October 2026

The Niger Delta Youth for Good Governance and Awareness (NDYGGA) has taken note of recent statements attributed to Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, alleging that a ₦2.7 trillion annual pipeline surveillance contract is associated with the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and other individuals and organisations.

NDYGGA considers the allegation a matter of significant public interest, particularly given the enormous financial figure involved and its potential implications for the credibility and reputation of institutions, companies and traditional authorities mentioned in the reports.

However, we wish to state clearly that an allegation, regardless of who makes it, should not be presented to the public as an established fact without credible documentary evidence.

Indeed, the Olu of Warri has publicly rejected the allegation and challenged Asari-Dokubo to produce documentary evidence supporting the claim.

NDYGGA'S POSITION

NDYGGA strongly supports transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources.

We therefore have no objection to legitimate scrutiny or investigation by appropriate government institutions where credible evidence raises questions concerning public expenditure, contractual arrangements or the protection of critical national infrastructure.

But the same standard of accountability must apply to everybody.

If questions are being asked about pipeline-surveillance contracts involving other Niger Delta stakeholders, then Nigerians are equally entitled to ask questions about Alhaji Asari-Dokubo's own security arrangements with government authorities.

QUESTIONS THAT DESERVE ANSWERS

Has anyone publicly asked Alhaji Asari-Dokubo:

How much is his organisation being paid under its security or pipeline-protection arrangements with government authorities?

What is the precise scope, duration and value of the contract or security arrangement?

What are the measurable deliverables attached to the payments?

How many personnel are engaged under the arrangement, and what mechanisms exist to account for their safety and welfare?

And perhaps most importantly:

What arrangements have been made to protect and support the families of young Niger Delta men who may have lost their lives while participating in security operations associated with such arrangements?

These are legitimate questions of public accountability and human responsibility.

We believe that nobody who demands transparency from others should object when similar questions are directed at his own activities.

ON THE LIVES OF NIGER DELTA YOUTHS

NDYGGA is particularly concerned about reports and claims surrounding young Niger Delta men who have participated in various security and armed engagements over the years.

We will not attribute individual deaths or casualties to Alhaji Asari-Dokubo without verified evidence establishing responsibility.

However, the wider question cannot be ignored:

When young men are recruited, mobilised or encouraged to participate in security operations, who takes responsibility for their welfare, safety and families when tragedy occurs?

The Niger Delta has lost too many young people to violence, militancy, insecurity and competing interests.

Young Niger Delta men should not become expendable instruments in political, commercial or security disputes.

Any organisation or individual benefiting from a government-backed security arrangement has a moral and institutional responsibility to ensure that the men deployed under such arrangements are properly trained, equipped, protected and accounted for.

Their families must not be forgotten when they make the ultimate sacrifice.

ACCOUNTABILITY MUST BE UNIVERSAL

NDYGGA therefore rejects any attempt to create a situation in which some Niger Delta actors are subjected to intense public scrutiny while others are treated as beyond questioning.

If the alleged ₦2.7 trillion figure is incorrect, the appropriate response is simple: produce the evidence and establish the facts.

Likewise, if questions are being raised about other pipeline-surveillance arrangements, the relevant contractual documents, government approvals, payment records, deliverables and performance reports should be subjected to appropriate scrutiny.

Recent reporting indicates that PINL itself has rejected the ₦2.7 trillion allegation and has asked security authorities to investigate the claim.

NDYGGA believes that the proper approach is not selective outrage but equal application of accountability.

NIGER DELTA YOUTH DESERVE BETTER

The Niger Delta has suffered enormously from insecurity, environmental degradation, unemployment, poverty, underdevelopment and decades of violent competition surrounding oil resources.

The region cannot afford another cycle in which young people are mobilised against one another while those who make or benefit from the arrangements remain insulated from the consequences.

Our young people deserve employment, education, economic opportunity and a peaceful future—not endless mobilisation for confrontation.

Pipeline surveillance should be about protecting national assets, preventing oil theft and vandalism, creating legitimate employment and supporting host communities. It should not become a vehicle for ethnic rivalry, personal enrichment or the exploitation of Niger Delta youths.

CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY AND RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP

NDYGGA calls on all individuals and organisations involved in pipeline surveillance and other government-backed security arrangements to submit themselves to the same principles of transparency, accountability and public scrutiny.

We urge the relevant government agencies to make appropriate contractual and financial information available in accordance with the law, while protecting genuinely confidential security information.

We also call on the media to distinguish clearly between allegations, opinions and established facts, and to give all parties a fair opportunity to respond.

The Niger Delta deserves responsible leadership.

We therefore call for:

Transparency without discrimination.

Accountability without political bias.

Justice without ethnic prejudice.

And, above all, protection of the lives and dignity of Niger Delta youths.

NDYGGA remains committed to good governance, peaceful engagement, public accountability and the protection of the legitimate interests of the people of the Niger Delta.

Signed:

President
Stephen Okerarhe

Secretary
Apostle Ebilo Olomu

National Leadership
Niger Delta Youth for Good Governance and Awareness (NDYGGA)
Port Harcourt, Rivers State

08/10/2026

Edo Govt Plans Palliative Measures To Control Flood in GRA

The Edo State Government says it plans to commence a rehabilitation of roads and drainage infrastructure in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Benin City as part of measures to tackle flooding and create a new GRA.

Governor Monday Okpebholo disclosed this on Thursday day when he received the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, and other judges who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City.

The judges were at the Government House to invite the governor to activities marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year.

Okpebholo said the existing GRA was not properly planned from inception, adding that some houses might have to be removed to make way for the planned infrastructure improvements.

“My administration is working to have a new GRA as I believe the old GRA was not properly planned right from inception.

“I called for proposals and three companies gave me an estimate of about N250 billion. Some houses have to give way, But at the moment we are going to focus on doing some palliative work to control flooding and ease movement in the area, He said.

The governor said the government would commence palliative work on roads in the GRA after the rainy season.

“After the rainy season, we have to do some palliative work on most of the roads in the GRA. The EdoGIS is already working on areas requiring improvements of infrastructure like water and electricity,” he said.

Okpebholo also commended the state judiciary for its cooperation with his administration, particularly in the use of special courts and efforts toward speedy dispensation of justice.

“I want to thank the judiciary for the cooperation my administration is enjoying in the state, most especially in the area of the Special Court and speedy dispensation of justice,” he said.

He also commended the judges for what he described as diligence in the discharge of their duties.

“I also thank all the judges in the state because I have not heard any negative reports about their activities, showing that they are diligent in the discharge of their responsibility as judges in the state,” the governor said.

On the welfare of judges, Okpebholo said the state government had obtained approval from the State Executive Council to purchase new vehicles to replace the old ones currently being used by judges.

“We have gotten approval from the State Executive Council on purchasing vehicles to replace the old ones our judges are using. We are looking at about 33 vehicles which you will get soon,” he said.

The Chief Judge, Justice Okungbowa, commended the governor for what he described as his developmental strides and the collaboration between the executive and judiciary.

He said the cooperation between the two arms of government had contributed to development and peace in the state.

Okungbowa said the delegation was at the Government House to formally invite the governor to the activities marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year in the state on Thursday, Oct. 9.

“We are here on a courtesy visit to invite you to the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year as our visitation is to inform you of our programme of activities,” he said.

The Chief Judge thanked the governor for his administration’s collaboration with other arms of government, which he said had contributed to the peaceful atmosphere in Edo.

“Thank you for the good work you are doing in Edo State and the collaboration with other arms of government which has made the state peaceful. Thank you for your developmental stride across all sectors of the state,” Okungbowa said.

08/10/2026

Women in Bayelsa State have been charged to rise above party affiliations
..seeks building of stronger, more inclusive democracy.

The South-South Zonal Coordinator of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Pastor Della Waribo, gave the charge in Yenagoa while inaugurating the Bayelsa State IPAC Directorate of Women Affairs.

Waribo said the Directorate was created with a clear vision to unify women across all political parties, amplify their voices in governance and ensure that no woman is left behind in the political process.

According to her, the inauguration was not just a ceremony but a statement that Bayelsa women are ready to go beyond party lines to strengthen democracy.

She explained that the Directorate was not established to compete with political parties but to complement them, stressing that IPAC remains the umbrella body of all registered political parties, while the Women Directorate serves as a bridge connecting women for the common purpose of advancing women.

Speaking on the theme, “Her Voice, Her Mandate, Her Impact: Advancing Women in Politics and Governance,” Oruama decried the exclusion of women in decision-making and said the time has come for women’s voices to be heard in the political space.

She said women should not be seen as mere voters but as candidates to be voted for, noting that women have the mandate of the people.

Oruama also advocated for the passage of the Special Reserve Seat Bill for women at the National Assembly, adding that the Directorate was established to unite all IPAC women as one indivisible voice, build political capacity to contest and win elections and fight poverty through economic empowerment of Bayelsa women.

“I want to assure you that under my leadership, this Directorate will be a mother to all. No party discrimination, whether PDP, APC, APM, LP, APGA, etc. We are one. IPAC is a family and we are here to support one another to win elections. Your winning is our win for a better Bayelsa,” she stated.

She thanked the IPAC Bayelsa State Council, the women leaders of the 21 political parties in the state, the zonal and national leadership of IPAC and other stakeholders for attending the event.

08/10/2026

Jarvis and Peller Break Internet With Stunning Maternity Photos as They Expect First Child

Popular Nigerian content creators Jarvis and Peller have thrilled fans with beautiful maternity photos as they prepare to welcome their first child together.

The couple, who tied the knot in August, shared the lovely pregnancy-themed photos on social media, proudly celebrating their journey into parenthood.

In the photos, the expectant parents appeared happy and affectionate as they showcased the growing baby bump, drawing warm reactions from fans and followers.

Their pregnancy announcement comes just months after the couple exchanged marital vows, making the arrival of their first child another major milestone in their relationship.

Fans have since flooded the couple’s social media pages with congratulatory messages and well wishes as they await the birth of their baby.

Jarvis and Peller have continued to command attention online with their relationship, content creation and public appearances, and the latest maternity shoot has added another memorable chapter to their story.

With their first child on the way, the couple is now preparing to embrace a new phase of their lives — parenthood.

08/10/2026

Twon Brass Kingdom demands remediation, relief materials, compensation from Aiteo over oil spill

Hundreds of natives and residents of Twon Brass Kingdom in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have staged a peaceful protest against Nembe Exploration and Production Ltd, formerly called Aiteo Exploration and Production Company.

The protest which took place in the community waterfront on Wednesday was to express their frustrations over the oil pollution caused by the submerging of a crude-loading barge reportedly operated by the energy firm at Nembe Creek in August 2026.

Our correspondent reports that the protest was led by community chiefs, Elders and fisherfolk, including women carrying fishing nets, paddles and jerrycans.

The protesters said the spill has polluted their waterways and the Atlantic coastline, destroyed their fishing nets, killed aquatic life and halted fishing activities, which is their only source of livelihood.

Speaking to newsmen during the protest, counsel to the community, Chief O. J. Afagha, Esq., described the incident as a dangerous and devastating negligence by Aiteo.

According to the legal practitioner, Aiteo's operations in the area have caused enormous and devastating environmental damage to the livelihood of Twon Brass people.

He therefore called on the Bayelsa State Government, the Federal Government, relevant national agencies and the international community to urgently intervene.

His words: "We are here because of the dangerous oil spillage caused by the negligence of the Aiteo group of companies.

"We want to tell the world, the state government, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the various institutions in the country that the Aiteo group has caused enormous and devastating environmental effects on the Brass Kingdom.

“As we are here, the people are crying, yearning, that the economic life and the businesses in Twon Brass Kingdom have been affected to the extent that their children, their businesses have been truncated.

"So we are calling on the Bayelsa State Government, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri. We are also calling on the Commissioner of Police, we are calling on the AIG, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, and also the Minister of Petroleum.

"We are also calling on the international community on environment, the Chairman on Environment in Africa at the United Nations Organisation, we are also calling on them to come to our aid to alleviate the hardship that Aiteo has caused to this environment and the people of Twon Brass Kingdom."

Chief Williams Abadi, CDC Chairman of Twon Brass Kingdom, expressed anger over the polluted waterways.

He called on Governor Douye Diri to intervene to make sure that the community is amply compensated by the company.

While speaking, Engr. Chief James Karimo Sokari said there is a need for urgent containment and clean-up in order to stop the spilled crude oil from affecting the river and ocean further as well as pollute neighbouring countries.

Also speaking, Elder Inodu Omieworio Secretary of the elders Council narrated the extent to which the spill from the reported submerged crude-loading barge has impacted the waterways and, by extension, the fishing activities of indigenes and residents.

"The oil spill from the barge operated by Aiteo has polluted our ocean, which is our means of livelihood.

“It has damaged our fishing nets, damaged our boats and engines, and practically crippled our fishing activities," he said.

He appealed to the firm and the government to come to the community's aid.

Mr. Kenneth A. Paul, Vice Youth President of Twon Brass Kingdom, bemoaned the impact of the pollution, saying it has greatly affected the livelihood of the people.

The woman leader of Twon Brass Kingdom, Mrs. Ikio Gloria said the people are suffering the impact of the pollution.

She said fishing has become unsuccessful and difficult because of the pollution caused by the oil spill, causing hunger and frustrations in the coastal community.

Other indigenes and residents who spoke separately also lamented the level of damage the spill has inflicted on the ocean and community waterways.

"We don't have food to eat, we no longer have work to do since the river is polluted and our livelihood crippled. Please let there be justice and let the right thing be done," said one of the protesting youths.

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as: "Peaceful protest: We call on the State Government to call on Aiteo Group to clean up our environment and provide relief materials for Twon Brass Kingdom."

They urged Aiteo to immediately clean up the environment, remediate the polluted water and mangroves, and provide relief materials and compensation for Twon Brass Kingdom.

08/10/2026

BAYELSA STATE VOLUNTEER SECURITY OUTFIT PARADES SUSPECTED THIEF

The Bayelsa State Volunteer Security Outfit has paraded a 20-year-old suspect, identified as Mr. Ayasilebo Chris, AKA “Aboy,” from Mile 3, Sagbama Community, who is alleged to be a member of the Bobos cult group.

The suspect was apprehended in connection with the alleged theft of ₦58,000 (Fifty-Eight Thousand Naira), mobile phones, ATM cards, knive and other valuables from the Etegwe Market Yam Zone in Yenagoa.

According to the security outfit, the suspect’s alleged accomplice, identified as Mr. Gift, AKA “Tomtom,” said to be from Yenagoa and also allegedly associated with the Bobos cult group, is currently at large.

Mr. Chris has been handed over to the Operation Doo-Akpo team of the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.

Speaking on the development, High Chief Oyinkuro Lucky Asanakpo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Volunteer Security Outfit, advised youths across the state to stay away from crime and other activities capable of destroying their future.

He encouraged young people to take advantage of the various skills acquisition and empowerment opportunities being provided by the Prosperity Government of Senator Douye Diri to build productive and meaningful lives.

High Chief Asanakpo further appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in locating the alleged accomplice, Mr. Gift, AKA “Tomtom.” Anyone with useful information is encouraged to report to the appropriate security authorities.

The Bayelsa State Volunteer Security Outfit remains committed to supporting law enforcement agencies in promoting peace, security and public safety across the state.

08/10/2026

Tenebe Urges APC Members To Adopt A One-Man-One-Vote Strategy Ahead of 2027

Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has urged members of the party to adopt the “one man, one vote” strategy ahead of the 2027 general election.

Tenebe made the call while addressing APC members during the party’s statewide mobilisation tour of Okpella, Agenebode and Fugar in Etsako East and Etsako Central Local Government Areas of the State.

The APC chairman, who accompanied the state governor on the tour, urged party members to mobilise voters peacefully and avoid quarrels or violence in their efforts to secure support for the party.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as developmental efforts in the state and the country.

“We have all seen the developmental stride of our governor, the son of President Tinubu. Gov Okpebholo is working as well as President Tinubu. We all need to support our party for continued development,” Tenebe said.

“We need to maintain the one man, one vote concept introduced by our leader. Our vote is what is needed to return President Tinubu to power and ensure the developmental stride continues in Nigeria.”

Tenebe said the APC needed the support of voters across the state ahead of the 2027 election, which he described as important to the country’s political direction.

He also defended the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy had made more resources available to state governments for development.

According to him, the subsidy removal had contributed to developments in different sectors, including security.

“The removal of fuel subsidy has brought about development across all sectors of the Nigerian economy, especially the security sector, as security has improved across the nation,” he said.

Tenebe said the tour was aimed at meeting party leaders and members at the ward and unit levels, as well as motivating them ahead of the election.

“I am here to meet with leaders of the party and members across units and wards in the council areas to motivate and prepare them for the forthcoming general election,” he said.

He also said the state government had taken steps to improve security, claiming that criminal activities had become more difficult in Edo.

In Fugar, the administrative headquarters of Etsako Central Local Government Area, Tenebe paid tribute to the late Chief Dan Osi Orbih, a prominent politician from the area, and acknowledged his contribution to Edo politics.

He urged residents of Okpella, Agenebode, and Fugar to support the APC and participate in the 2027 election.

Meantime, Speaking to the people of Okpella, Agenebode and Fugar in Etsako East and Etsako Central local government areas of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo said that the votes of the people are needed to sustain the developmental stride of the Tinubu led administration.

Gov Okpebholo said President Tinubu was bold to remove subsidy and put strategies in place to block the subsidy corruption, which is making more money available to give to state governors to develop the nation.

"The removal of fuel subsidy has brought about development across all sectors of the Nigerian economy, especially the security sector, as security has improved across the nation.

"In January 2027, we would be facing a major election in Nigeria and this election will shape Nigeria and I urge you all to play your part and ensure massive votes for our party to return our President to enable him continue his developmental stride in the nation".

Also speaking, the Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Sunny Ekpeson, commended Governor Okpebholo for what he described as his non-interference in local government finances.

Ekpeson, who is also the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Edo State, said the 18 local government chairmen had been given the freedom to use council resources for grassroots development.

“As ALGON chairman in the state, I can confidently say that the governor doesn’t interfere with local government funds as he has given us free hand to utilise our resources to develop the grassroots and ensure dividends of democracy are felt at the grassroots level,” he said.

He said the councils would soon begin commissioning projects across their respective areas.

The mobilisation activities in Okpella, Agenebode, and Fugar drew a large turnout of APC members, youths, women leaders, and market men and women who gathered to receive the party delegation.

08/10/2026

2027 Elections Defining Year for Nigeria’s Growth, Development — Governor Okpebholo

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has urged Nigerians to take the 2027 general election seriously, as the poll will determine whether the country consolidates its current path to growth and development or returns to retrogression.

Governor Okpebholo, stated this while addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters during the party’s mobilisation campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in Akoko-Edo and Etsako West Local Government Areas of Edo State.

The governor, who visited Azane Model Primary School in Ibillo and Igarra, the administrative headquarters of Akoko-Edo, also addressed party members at the Auchi Township Stadium and Azama Primary School, Ikpe-Uzuirue, in Etsako West.

“2027 is a defining year for Nigeria’s growth and development. This is the year we are voting for our president, Senators, House of Representatives members and House of Assembly members to finish the good work our president commenced,” Governor Okpebholo said.

He commended President Tinubu for removing fuel subsidy, describing it as a major step towards addressing economic challenges that had hindered Nigeria’s growth and development.

He said the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, particularly the fuel subsidy removal, would yield long-term benefits for the country, adding that Nigerians would begin to feel the impact of the reforms.

The governor also pledged that his administration would continue its infrastructure development programme to ensure that the three senatorial districts of Edo State benefited from what he described as practical governance.

Responding to requests by residents of Akoko-Edo for the provision of a transformer and rehabilitation of the area’s water board, Governor Okpebholo promised swift intervention.

“The step-down transformer you requested will be provided and it’s a package we will deliver to make you know that I am a son of President Tinubu,” he said.

He also directed that the appropriate ministry assess the condition of the water board and recommend measures for its rehabilitation.

“I will inform the necessary ministry to visit this place and recommend to us what should be done to revive the water board here. We will do all to ensure that we resolve and find solutions to the water problem facing our people here,” he said.

The governor further promised to rehabilitate a bridge linking Ibillo, which he said had been badly damaged by flooding.

“When I was coming to Ibillo here, I saw the bridge leading to this place in a bad shape. The bridge is almost washed away by flood. I will get an expert to fix the bridge and make it motorable,” Governor Okpebholo said.

Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa commended the governor for what he described as efforts to restore security in Edo State.

Idahosa said the administration had tackled cult-related killings, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities, adding that residents were beginning to experience improved security.

“Before you became the governor of Edo State, there was a lot of insecurity in the State. You came and began to tackle it and evidence shows you are winning the war against insecurity. Edo people are very happy for ensuring that peace returned to Edo State,” he said.

Former Edo governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole also praised President Tinubu for what he described as courage, determination and commitment to implementing fundamental reforms in the country.

He said Nigeria needed continuity and urged APC members to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election to enable him to complete his development agenda.

The Edo APC Chairman, Mr Jarrett Tenebe, urged residents of Akoko-Edo and Etsako West to vote massively for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Tenebe said the state needed the votes to strengthen its demand for the creation of additional local government areas.

He said collaboration among the governor, senators, members of the House of Representatives and the Edo State House of Assembly would help make the demand for new local government areas a reality.

Tenebe also urged party members to work towards achieving the 2.5 million votes promised Tinubu by the Edo APC.

The APC mobilisation train has so far visited 11 of Edo State’s 18 local government areas, including Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West, Owan East, Owan West, Akoko-Edo and Etsako West.

07/10/2026

BAYELSA MOURNS FOUR NAF PLANE CRASH VICTIMS

*DIRI APPRECIATES STATE FOR 30TH ANNIVERSARY TURNOUT

*RECEIVES AWARDS FROM LAWYERS, MSMEs

The Bayelsa State Executive Council on Wednesday observed a minute silence in honour of four of its citizens in the ill-fated Nigeria Air Force (NAF) plane that crashed on Monday in Ondo State.

The NAF, in a statement, said it lost 25 of its personnel in the tragic incident, including the four from Bayelsa identified as Flight Lieutenant Tarila Lazarus (Southern Ijaw Local Government Area), Sergeant Izibenikien Samuel (Yenagoa), Sergeant Ebimobowei Charles Alafuka (Ekeremor) and Godstime Tarabina (Kolokuma/Opokuma)

Governor Diri, who presided at the 198th session of the meeting in the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Yenagoa, expressed grief on behalf of the government and people of the state.

The governor said the state had been deeply affected by the tragedy, noting that he had earlier issued a condolence message to commiserate with President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of the Air Staff and families of the victims before the identity of the victims were released.

He said as directed by Mr. President, flags in the state fly at half-mast, and that the state government would liaise with relevant authorities towards taking steps to alleviate the pain of the victims’ families.

At the meeting, the governor also appreciated Bayelsans for their massive participation in activities marking the state’s 30th anniversary, saying the turnout demonstrated the people’s love for the state and their willingness to identify with its development.

He noted that the anniversary was not a political party event but an opportunity for Bayelsans to reflect on the state’s journey, assess its present position and project its future.

He particularly thanked the committee led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, government officials, citizens, diplomats, federal agencies and other guests who contributed to the success of the celebrations.

Diri urged Bayelsans to preserve the spirit of love, unity and oneness demonstrated during the anniversary, stressing that a state could only achieve greater development when its people worked together.

On the political season, Diri called on politicians and their supporters to conduct issue-based and civil campaigns, rather than resorting to insults, character assassination and inflammatory language.

He also urged political actors to campaign on their records, policies and what they intend to achieve for the people, emphasising that political differences should not destroy the bonds that exist among the people.

"Politics will come and go, but we will still remain the same brothers and sisters. Our communities will not be taken away because of APC, PDP, Labour or other parties.”

The governor also announced plans by the administration to prepare a short and long-term development plan for the state before the end of his tenure.

He said the plan would provide a framework to guide future administrations and ensure continuity in the development of the state.

According to him, development should not be tied to one administration, but must be approached as a collective responsibility requiring long-term planning.

Meanwhile, Governor Diri received two awards presented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and his Trade, Industry and Investment counterpart.

The Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, presented an award from the Law Officers’ Institution of Nigeria, recognising the governor for his performance in the welfare of state counsel and inducting him into the Hall of Fame of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice.

The Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Ebieri Jones, also presented an award from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which honoured Diri as MSME Development Champion and Friendly Governor following the successful hosting of the annual Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) conference in the state.

In his response, Diri said the recognition would encourage his administration to do more, noting that the appreciation of stakeholders remained a motivation for the government.

News Waka Now - NWN

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