Governor Douye Diri has urged political aspirants in Bayelsa State to pursue their ambitions in line with established laws and party guidelines as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor also called on politicians to exercise restraint during the political season, stressing that politics should be driven by service to the people rather than personal interests.
Key Highlights
- Gov Diri urges aspirants to follow electoral laws ahead of 2027
- Bayelsa governor advocates restraint and respect for zoning principle
- State receives Commonwealth and healthcare-related awards
- Bayelsa recognised for investment in health and marine economy
- Governor says politics should focus on service, not self-interest
Governor Diri made the remarks on Wednesday during the weekly State Executive Council meeting held at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa.
According to him, no aspirant would be denied the opportunity to contest, but political actors must respect existing rules, including zoning arrangements where applicable.
He further stated that in line with the directive of the All Progressives Congress, direct primaries would be conducted where consensus could not be achieved.
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Diri explained that in some constituencies, party leaders had advised that lawmakers who had served only one term should be allowed to return, except where consensus failed.
He called on politicians to conduct themselves peacefully and operate within the framework of the law as the political season unfolds.
During the meeting, several awards received by the state government in different sectors were presented to the governor.
The Commissioner for Health, Seiyefa Brisibe, presented an award recognising exceptional leadership and contributions to healthcare development, public service, and human capital advancement.
According to Brisibe, the recognition came from nurses within Commonwealth countries and was based on Bayelsa’s achievements in the health sector, including the upgrade of the School of Nursing Sciences to a College of Nursing Sciences and the completion of a 250-capacity ICT centre at the College of Nursing and Midwifery in Tombia.
He also cited the recruitment of 200 nurses and midwives into the primary healthcare sector, alongside welfare and professional development initiatives for healthcare workers.
The commissioner disclosed that the governor also received recognition from the Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa for his contributions to healthcare development and public service.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Faith Izibenua-Zibs, presented an Appreciation of Service Award from the Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management.
The award recognised the governor’s role in establishing Nigeria’s first subnational Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Similarly, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, presented an Environmental Rights Governance Award jointly issued by the Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Institute and Call A Lawyer.
Responding, Governor Diri dedicated the awards to the entire administration, stating that the recognitions reflected the collective efforts of the government.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to healthcare development, human rights protection, and investment in the marine economy, noting that Bayelsa’s identity and economic future are closely tied to its coastal and marine resources.
