The Bayelsa State Executive Council on Wednesday observed a minute’s silence in honour of four Bayelsa indigenes who died in the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) plane crash in Ondo State on Monday.
The NAF had said 25 personnel died in the crash, including four indigenes of Bayelsa State identified as Flight Lieutenant Tarila Lazarus from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Sergeant Izibenikien Samuel from Yenagoa, Sergeant Ebimobowei Charles Alafuka from Ekeremor and Godstime Tarabina from Kolokuma/Opokuma.
Key Highlights
- Bayelsa mourns four indigenes killed in the NAF plane crash in Ondo State.
- Governor Douye Diri says flags will remain at half-mast in honour of the victims.
- Diri calls for issue-based and civil campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Governor appreciates Bayelsans for their participation in the state’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
- Bayelsa Government plans to develop short and long-term development plans for the state.
- Diri receives awards for supporting lawyers and MSME development in Bayelsa.
Governor Douye Diri, who presided over the 198th meeting of the State Executive Council at the Government House in Yenagoa, expressed grief over the deaths and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
Diri said the Bayelsa NAF plane crash victims had deeply affected the state, noting that he had earlier issued a condolence message to President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of the Air Staff and the families of the deceased before the identities of the victims were released.
The governor said, in line with the directive of the President, flags across the state were flying at half-mast.
He added that the state government would liaise with relevant authorities to take steps to alleviate the pain and hardship caused by the deaths of the victims.
Diri Appreciates Bayelsans for 30th Anniversary Turnout
At the meeting, Diri also commended Bayelsans for their massive participation in activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state.
He said the large turnout demonstrated the people’s love for Bayelsa and their willingness to contribute to the state’s development.
According to the governor, the anniversary was not a political party event but an opportunity for Bayelsans to reflect on the state’s journey, assess its current position and consider its future.
Diri particularly thanked the anniversary committee led by the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, as well as government officials, citizens, diplomats, federal agencies and other guests who contributed to the success of the celebrations.
He urged Bayelsans to sustain the spirit of love, unity and togetherness displayed during the anniversary, stressing that the state could achieve greater development when its people worked together.
Diri Urges Issue-Based Campaigns
Speaking on the approaching political season, Diri urged politicians and their supporters to conduct issue-based and civil campaigns instead of resorting to insults, character assassination and inflammatory language.
He called on political actors to campaign on their records, policies and plans for the people, while warning that political differences should not destroy existing relationships among Bayelsans.
“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,” he said.
Read also:
- NAF Plane Crash in Ondo: Swampy Terrain Stalls Recovery as 25 Victims Remain Unrecovered
- Governor Aiyedatiwa Visits NAF Aircraft Crash Scene, Orders Search To Continue
- Gov Diri Says Abacha Freed Ijaws From Oppression With Bayelsa Creation
Bayelsa Plans Long-Term Development Framework
Diri also announced plans by his administration to prepare short and long-term development plans for Bayelsa State before the end of his tenure.
He said the plans would provide a framework for future administrations and promote continuity in the development of the state.
According to him, development should not be tied to a single administration but should be treated as a collective responsibility that requires proper long-term planning.
Diri Receives Awards From Lawyers, MSMEs
Meanwhile, Governor Diri received two awards presented by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, and the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Ebieri Jones.
Dambo presented an award from the Law Officers’ Institution of Nigeria, recognising Diri for his performance in the welfare of state counsel and inducting him into the Hall of Fame of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice.
Jones also presented an award from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, recognising Diri as an MSME Development Champion and Friendly Governor following the successful hosting of the annual Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) conference in Bayelsa.
Responding to the recognitions, Diri said the awards would encourage his administration to do more.
He added that the appreciation of stakeholders remained a motivation for the government to continue working towards the development of Bayelsa State.
For more updates, follow us on X.
