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PANDEF CONGRATULATES GOVERNORS DIRI AND OTU ON THEIR EMERGENCE AS SOUTH SOUTH GOVERNORS FORUM LEADERS

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has congratulated Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State on their emergence as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the South South Governors Forum. In a statement, PANDEF expressed its joy and confidence in the leadership qualities of the duo, saying their emergence is a clear demonstration of the trust reposed in them by their colleagues. PANDEF Spokesman, Olorogun (Sir) Obiuwevbi Ominimini Ph.D, stated that the South South region is in dire need of regional collaboration on various aspects of development, including regional security architecture, transportation mechanisms, and regional marine transportation. He noted that the emergence of Governors Diri and Otu as leaders of the forum will bring succour to the aspirations of the people of the devastated Niger Delta Region. “The emergence of this present leadership of the South South Governors forum is completely believed to be competent enough as tested political Leaders who have both Legislative and Executive experiences,” Olorogun (Sir) Obiuwevbi Ominimini Ph.D said. PANDEF believes that the new leadership will make a significant difference, given their practical expertise in governance. Ominimini noted that the South South Governors forum is responsible for the creation of the BRACED commission, but it has not been properly funded. He expressed hope that the new leadership will address this issue and fast-track the development of the region. “PANDEF therefore promises to work very closely with this new leadership of the South South Governors forum in order to fast track speedy development of the Region,” Ominimini said.

NGF CONGRATULATES DIRI ON EMERGENCE AS SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS’ FORUM CHAIRMAN

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has congratulated Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, on his emergence as chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum. Governor Diri was elected last Tuesday at a meeting of the region’s governors held at the Government House, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. In a congratulatory letter signed by its chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the NGF described Diri’s election as a recognition of his “leadership, dedication to governance, and commitment to the progress of the South-South region.” The letter read in part: “Your election, alongside His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State as Vice Chairman, reflects the confidence your colleagues have in your ability to contribute meaningfully to the development and unity of the region.” Governor AbdulRazaq expressed confidence that Governor Diri’s collaborative efforts will foster policies and initiatives that will drive economic growth, security, and infrastructural advancement across the South-South states and Nigeria as a whole. The NGF chairman assured Governor Diri of the support and partnership of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, stating that they look forward to working closely with the Forum in strengthening intergovernmental relations and ensuring that governance continues to positively impact the lives of Nigerians. Senator Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State, emerged as Vice Chairman of the forum.

GOV DIRI URGES PANDEF TO FOCUS ON REGION’S DEVELOPMENT ISSUES

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to focus on issues that border on the region’s development. The Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, stated in a press release that Senator Diri gave the admonition on Wednesday when a delegation of PANDEF led by its new chairman, Amb. Godknows Igali, paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa. Diri expressed his administration’s commitment to collaborate with the forum to address issues of development bedevilling the Niger Delta region. He stressed that PANDEF needed the collaboration of governors of the region as well as interventionist agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the proposed South South Development Commission in order for it to succeed. “PANDEF ought to play a key advocacy role in supporting the South-South Governors Forum,” Diri said. He also stated that he had informed his counterparts in the South-South on the need to collaborate to establish a power project for the zone in order to attract investments. On his administration’s part, Diri highlighted efforts aimed at facilitating the procurement of an independent power plant to enhance socio-economic activities. He noted that the ongoing central senatorial road leading to Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, would be completed and inaugurated before the end of this year. In his remarks, Chairman of PANDEF, Amb. Godknows Igali, affirmed the forum’s support to the South-South Governors Forum to help reposition the body to bring about development and address issues such as fiscal federalism. Alabrah stated that Amb. Igali congratulated Diri on his emergence as chairman of the South-South Governors Forum.

GOVERNOR DIRI EMERGES CHAIRMAN OF SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS FORUM

Governors of the South-South geo-political zone have unanimously elected Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, as chairman of the South-South Governors Forum. The election took place on Tuesday during the forum’s meeting in Government House, Yenagoa. Chief Press Secretary to Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah, said in a statement that Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, emerged as vice chairman of the forum. Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, moved the motion nominating Diri while his Rivers State counterpart, Siminalayi Fubara, seconded it. Responding, Diri said his emergence as chairman was a call to higher service and promised to serve the forum and the region diligently. He stated that the forum would go beyond issuing communiques to taking action in critical issues that affect the region’s development. “Working together, we have all resolved that our region will not fail. We have seen other regions working while our region was quiet,” Diri said. In his opening address, Diri outlined the objectives of the forum, which include fostering greater synergy among states, advancing regional investments in critical sectors, and promoting sustainable development and prosperity. He identified South-South regional flight connection as one area of collaboration to ease air travel within the zone. The governors also expressed support for the ongoing tax reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration, but urged the president to extend the proposed VAT sharing to other areas of derivation like oil and gas. They argued that the law on oil derivation prescribed a minimum of 13 per cent and that the federal government should consider increasing the amount on oil derivation to states in the region. The forum appreciated the president for the award and commencement of the coastal road project, but demanded that it equally commence from the Calabar axis to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic development in the region. They also called for the intervention of the federal government in other areas, including the extension of the ongoing remediation of Ogoni land to other polluted environments in the region. Alabrah said the highpoint of the meeting was the celebration of the birthday of the Rivers governor, Sim Fubara, who turned 50 on Tuesday.

DIRI SEEKS ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN AFRICA’S SUB-NATIONALS

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has advocated for economic cooperation between states in Africa, saying such cooperation would promote African unity, boost the economies of the sub-nationals, and reduce economic dependence on the Western world. “We have discovered that relationship between governments has not been very cordial across the continent of Africa,” Chief Press Secretary Daniel Alabrah quoted Governor Diri as saying in a statement. “We rather prefer to value our relationship with Europe and Asia.” Daniel Alabrah said the governor stated this during a meeting with the Governor of the Province of Namibe in Angola, Mr. Archer Mangueira. Governor Diri noted that Bayelsa and Namibe shared similarities as coastal states bordering the Atlantic Ocean and that both states could benefit from areas where they had comparative advantage. Bayelsa (Top) Namibe (Bottom) Alabrah stated that discussions between the two leaders centred around exploring opportunities for collaboration in the fishery sector, as Namibe has developed its marine economy to become the fishery hub of Angola and the southern African sub-region. Governor Diri expressed interest in collaborating with Namibe in fisheries, agriculture, and other areas, saying “where you have comparative advantage, you produce, and where we have comparative advantage, we also produce.” Daniel Alabrah quoted Governor Diri as thanking his host, Archer Mangueira, for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation, saying it epitomised the true spirit of African brotherhood. In his remarks, Governor Mangueira described Namibe as the Land of Happiness and noted that there was a lot to learn and benefit from a huge country like Nigeria. He expressed excitement about the visit and the prospects for collaboration and investments. Alabrah said Governor Mangueira noted that Namibe was focusing on its tourism sector for economic development, adding that the province had a rich ecological biodiversity and a desert considered the oldest in the world. He also expressed interest in learning from Nigeria’s experience in the mining sector and agricultural development initiatives.

SOUTH KOREA HANDS OVER MECHANISED AGRIC EQUIPMENT TO BAYELSA

The Republic of South Korea has donated mechanised farming equipment worth over $500,000 to the Bayelsa State government. The items include four tractors, two rice transplanting machines, one rice seeding machine, 10,000 rice seed beds, and four 10-tonne per day rice mills. Speaking at the handover and rice planting demonstration ceremony, Chief Press Secretary Daniel Alabrah said the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Rear Admiral Kim Pankyu (rtd), handed over the equipment to the state government at the School-to-Land Farm complex in Yenagoa. Alabrah stated that Ambassador Pankyu noted that Bayelsa was endowed with suitable soil and favourable weather for rice cultivation, and expressed optimism that the equipment and training of the state’s personnel would help boost rice production in the state. Alabrah added that the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, said the equipment was the first result of the collaboration between the two governments. He noted that the gesture will boost the state’s effort to enhance food security and stimulate economic growth. The chief press Secretary stated that the governor also directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources to procure more farming equipment to boost production in the state. Governor Diri conferred on Ambassador Pankyu the honorary citizenship of Bayelsa at a state banquet in honour of the ambassador and his delegation. The governor assured of stronger ties between Bayelsa and South Korea.

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.

PDP VOWS TO PRODUCE MORE GOVERNORS IN 2027, TAKE OVER CENTRE

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed confidence that the party will produce more state governors in 2027, in addition to the current 12, and take over governance at the centre. In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah, the National Treasurer, Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, stated that due to the level of disenchantment across the country, occasioned by the lingering economic hardship, PDP would produce more governors in 2027. Yayari noted that PDP was the only viable opposition party that could wrest political power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, stressing that “if it (PDP) does not take over the leadership of the country, it could be the end of democracy in Nigeria.” Yayare also stated that “Nothing stops the PDP producing the president and the vice president in 2027. The cry of hunger and poverty is too much in the land. “The 36 states of Nigeria are yearning for the return of PDP. The APC can not go out to campaign because they will be stoned. Nigeria is in your hands. We need your support to salvage Nigeria.” The PDP National Secretary, Ude Okoye, also stated that the NWC was poised to reposition the party and demonstrate to Nigerians that they have an alternative that could offer quality leadership. As reported by Alabrah, Okoye commended Governor Diri for his exemplary leadership and remarkable developmental strides in Bayelsa, saying the party was very proud of him. Responding, Governor Diri, as stated by Alabrah, said it was essential for the party and its governors to be united as the only viable party in opposition. Diri assured the party of his support, adding that he was not interested in polarising the PDP. “If anybody is bigger than the party, the person can leave. It is PDP that has made most of us. We can not be in PDP in the daytime and at night be at another party. We need to do in-house cleansing.” Diri expressed support for the idea of forming a mega party with PDP standing out prominently to take over power at the centre. He equally urged his colleagues to strengthen the party so it can salvage the country from its current slide.

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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