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GOVERNOR DIRI URGES NIGERIANS TO HONOUR SACRIFICES OF FALLEN HEROES

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye has enjoined Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes by building a country that embodies justice, equity, and peace. Governor Diri made this call on Wednesday during this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Yenagoa, the state capital. In a statement, Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said Governor Diri paid tribute to the nation’s Fallen heroes, stressing the need to move beyond ceremonial gestures and ensure that their sacrifices are reflected in the progress and betterment of society. “The legacy of our heroes calls for a Nigeria where justice, equity, and prosperity are tangible realities for all citizens,” Governor Diri said. “It is about ensuring that policies and actions bring about meaningful and positive outcomes, addressing the needs of all Nigerians, and working towards the common good.” Alabrah stated that Governor Diri also acknowledged the paradox that underscored the ultimate sacrifice of the fallen heroes, who paid the supreme price so that others might live. Alabrah quoted Governor Diri as saying, “Every decision, no matter how big or small, should be made with the aim of fostering unity, justice, peace, promoting development, and enhancing the welfare of every individual in our nation.” Governor Diri pledged his administration’s support to the families of the fallen heroes, stating that their sacrifices were a shared burden. He also expressed gratitude to the security agencies for their role in ensuring that the state remained peaceful and secure. Alabrah noted that the governor assured that the government would continue to provide essential support to enable them perform their duties efficiently. The ceremony included the laying of wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier by Governor Douye Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and other dignitaries.

BAYELSA GOVERNOR DIRI DECORATES NEWLY PROMOTED POLICE OFFICERS, LAUDS POLICE ROLE IN MAINTAINING PEACE

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has commended the Nigerian Police and the Bayelsa State Command for their efforts in ensuring peace and security in the state. Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, in a statement, said Governor Diri gave the commendation on Monday while decorating five newly promoted police officers in his office in Government House, Yenagoa. The officers promoted were Sylvester Eseimokumo Ebakumo from Superintendent of Police to Chief Superintendent of Police, Ifidi Ebitimi Henry from Deputy Superintendent of Police to Superintendent of Police, Mohammed Yusuf from Assistant Superintendent of Police to Deputy Superintendent of Police, Musa Mohammed from Assistant Superintendent of Police to Deputy Superintendent of Police, and Udonne Imo Emmanuel from Assistant Superintendent of Police to Deputy Superintendent of Police. Alabrah stated that Governor Diri congratulated the newly elevated officers and charged them to see their promotion as a call to higher service. He particularly commended the Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, and other officers and men of the command, noting that it was due to their collaborative effort with government that the state remains peaceful and safe for residents. “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the top rank and junior officers for all that they are doing to contribute to the peace, security and stability of the state and Nigeria as a whole. “We are happy about your elevation because you have dutifully conducted yourselves to the service of this state and Nigeria,” Governor Diri said. Daniel Alabrah added that Governor Diri urged them to continue to serve diligently and expressed optimism that they would get to the pinnacle of their profession. The Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, was represented at the brief ceremony by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration and Operations), Ofem Arikpo.

GOVERNOR DIRI HAILS ARMED FORCES, URGES POLITICIANS TO RESPECT ELECTORAL RULES

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has described members of the Armed Forces as a very special group of people dedicated to a difficult type of service. He made this statement at a thanksgiving service to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa. The Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, in a statement, noted that Governor Diri emphasized the importance of honoring and celebrating the sacrifices of the armed forces and retired service men. Governor Diri said, “Today, we are gathered to appreciate God for the lives of some very special group of people, a people that dedicated their lives even to death. They are very special to us as a country and as a state. So we need to honour and celebrate them.” Daniel Alabrah further stated that Governor Diri also advised politicians to respect electoral rules and accept defeat for the sustenance of democracy. The governor warned that politicians who violate electoral rules whenever the outcome does not tally with their interest must turn a new leaf. Following recent skirmishes between rival cult groups at Igbogene, Governor Diri directed that security be beefed up in the area, particularly around the newly opened Bayelsa Transport Terminal. He warned youth groups trying to extort passengers and commercial transporters at the terminal to steer clear of the facility. Alabrah noted that the remembrance thanksgiving was attended by top government functionaries, including the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou.

BAYELSA GOVERNOR, CABINET, PDP CHIEFTAINS VISIT LATE COMMISSIONER’S FAMILY, ACCIDENT VICTIMS

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, members of the state executive council, and the leadership of the Bayelsa Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei, who died on December 30, 2024, after a brief illness at the age of 67. The Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, in a statement, said Governor Diri spoke in an emotion-laden voice, recalling how Mrs. Bidei and her husband, Jackson Bidei, were his staunch supporters from the beginning of his political journey. Alabrah stated that Governor Diri described her as an active PDP member, a woman of valour who contributed a lot to the growth and development of the state through the various positions she occupied. “Mrs. Bidei and her dear husband stood by me from the beginning of my political journey till date. They never wavered for one second. It is so sad that we are here for a condolence visit,” Governor Diri said. “We cannot query or question God. This brings to fore the fact that every one of us are just mortals and only what we do will speak when we are gone,” Governor Diri added. He also stated that the government will take care of the funeral expenses, being a commissioner who died in active service to the state. Responding, spokesman of the family, Mr. Ebikabowei Otobo, and Mr. Bidei expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for demonstrating exemplary leadership in personally visiting with members of his cabinet. The delegation included lawmaker representing Southern Ijaw Constituency One, Mr. Bonnie Ayah, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Bayelsa PDP Chairman, Chief Solomon Agwana, and other top government functionaries. The entourage also visited recuperating victims of last Friday’s fatal accident in Sagbama that claimed the life of the paramount ruler of Ofoni community, HRH Auditor Onakpohor, at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri.

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE RE-STRATEGIZES TO COMBAT KIDNAPPING, NEUTRALIZES 3 KIDNAPPERS

The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its commitment to curbing kidnapping and similar crimes across the country. In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the police successfully carried out a hostage rescue operation on December 31, 2024, at Kwande LGA, Benue State, neutralizing three kidnappers in the process. ACP Adejobi stated that the police operatives received a distress call concerning the kidnap of one Tor Gajir by unknown gunmen at the Kwande LGA. The operatives swiftly escalated the investigation, following the trail to one Desmond Ahar, who led them to the kidnappers’ den at Adikpo, Benue State. Adejobi noted that the kidnappers engaged the police in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralization of three suspects, while others fled with bullet wounds. The victim, Tor Gajir, was rescued unhurt and given medical attention to assess any physical or psychological impact. The operation also led to the recovery of 2 AK-47 rifles and 6 loaded magazines, with several live ammunition. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and recover other arms. In a similar operation in Nasarawa State, police operatives rescued two hostages who had been captured by kidnappers. The victims were rescued unhurt, and efforts are still ongoing to arrest the fleeing kidnappers. Additionally, on January 7, 2025, police operatives in Bayelsa State intercepted a suspect, Usman Mohammed, en route to Rivers State, recovering 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 Type 09 AR, and 120 rounds of ammunition. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their successes, charging them to sustain the tempo to attain excellence in internal security and safety in Nigeria. IGP Egbetokun encouraged members of the community to remain vigilant and volunteer to play their role towards ensuring public safety and general security in Nigeria.

BAYELSA GOVERNOR, SENATOR DIRI, AND PREDECESSOR, SENATOR DICKSON, CALL FOR UNITY AMONG POLITICIANS

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, have urged politicians in the state to eschew bitterness and divisive tendencies. As contained in a statement by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Diri, Daniel Alabrah, both leaders spoke on Monday during the Yuletide visit of Governor Diri and a large delegation to the country home of the former governor in Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area. Daniel Alabrah noted that Governor Diri decried the level of rumour mongering in the state, emphasizing that the visit would again put to rest speculations about a rift between him and Dickson, whom he described as his boss. Governor Diri acknowledged Dickson’s instrumental role in his emergence as governor and pledged to continue working with him to develop the state. As Daniel Alabrah reported, Governor Diri stated, “In the state’s political turf, there is too much bitterness, and I believe this visit will reduce that. Anybody interested in political office should eschew bitterness.” Daniel Alabrah further reported that Governor Diri appreciated the people of Bayelsa West senatorial district for their massive support in the November 2023 governorship election. The governor appealed for patience regarding the clamour for appointments, citing the administration’s already high number of appointees, which had increased the state’s wage bill to almost N12 billion. Senator Dickson, as reported by Daniel Alabrah, also spoke at the event, stating that efforts by mischief makers to cause rancour between him and Governor Diri had failed. He promised to work with the governor in the interest of the state and its development. The event was attended by dignitaries, including the wives of the governor and former governor, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders from Bayelsa West and Central senatorial districts.

BAYELSA, RIVERS GOVERNORS RESOLVE SOKU OIL WELL DISPUTE

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has expressed delight over the peaceful resolution of the Soku oil well dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states. Contained in a statement made available to CTN and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri praised his Rivers counterpart, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his role in resolving the dispute. Governor Diri said the peaceful relations between both states were necessary for their development and called for its continuity. He also lauded Fubara for his handling of the demolished property of the Bayelsa government in Port Harcourt, which is still in court while both states are close to reaching an amicable settlement. Daniel Alabrah quoted Governor Diri as saying, “We came to pay you a Christmas visit… Going forward, we should continue to visit each other to keep both states peaceful and to allow for our development.” Governor Diri also stressed the importance of regular interactions between both states while assuring Fubara of the support of the government and people of Bayelsa at all times. According to Daniel Alabrah, Governor Fubara responded by saying that both Rivers and Bayelsa needed each other to make progress and insisted that they could not be separated. He called on Governor Diri to revive the BRACED Commission and strengthen cooperation among states of the Niger Delta region. The Bayelsa Governor also attended the 80th birthday celebration of General Stanley Diriyai (rtd) in Port Harcourt, where he hailed him as a father, mentor to many, and a worthy son of Bayelsa.

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