Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has raised an alarm over a plot to disrupt the peace in the state, urging security commanders, elders, traditional rulers, and youths to remain vigilant. In In a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Alabrah, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, the governor warned that the state government would not tolerate any actions capable of undermining the prevailing tranquility in Bayelsa.

Alabrah stated that Diri issued the warning on Thursday during separate meetings with the Bayelsa Elders Council and the 37th session of the state security council. He expressed concerns over a planned mega rally and inauguration of a group loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, describing it as a potential trigger for avoidable crisis. The governor also accused a suspended member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), George Turnah, of attempting to create factions within the party in the state.

Diri emphasized that holding such an event amid heightened ethnic tensions in Rivers State could escalate into conflict in Bayelsa. He noted that the alarm became necessary following Wike’s alleged threat to instigate crisis in PDP-governed states. “Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted,” Diri stated. He urged security agencies to remain alert while calling on parents and traditional rulers to dissuade youths from being used by troublemakers.

According to Alabrah the governor insisted that the peaceful nature of the Ijaw people should not be mistaken for weakness, vowing that Bayelsa, as the homeland of all Ijaws, would not tolerate unrest orchestrated by faceless groups. “This is not Rivers State. Bayelsa is the cradle of every Ijaw man. Being peaceful is not cowardice. We are very courageous and can stand up for the truth at all times,” Diri declared. He further warned that no public facility in the state would be used for unauthorized activities without government approval.

During the meeting with the elders, Diri assured them of prudent management of the state’s resources. Addressing the ongoing electricity blackout, he attributed it to vandalized towers in Rivers State but promised collaboration with relevant agencies to restore power. He also revealed plans to employ 1,000 Bayelsans into the civil service, acknowledging the high number of applicants received.

Diri explained that the earlier teachers’ recruitment exercise was canceled due to irregularities, adding that a new committee led by his Deputy Chief of Staff had been set up to oversee a fresh process.

The Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), commended Diri for his administration’s infrastructure development efforts. The meeting was attended by prominent leaders, including King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former Military Governor of Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, and King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council.