In a colourful event complemented by a much calmer environment, different from his first appearance on the stage, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, took an oath of office to be at the helm of affairs in the state for the next four years. The occasion was witnessed by several dignitaries from across Nigeria
In a colourful event complemented by a much calmer environment, different from his first appearance on the stage, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, took an oath of office to be at the helm of affairs in the state for the next four years. The occasion was witnessed by several dignitaries from across Nigeria including Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Diri’s first inauguration was subdued and held in a tense atmosphere, following the Supreme Court judgment invalidating the election of Mr. David Lyon of the APC on the eve of his swearing-in. This time around Senator Diri was elected by the majority in the state off-cycle governorship election held November 2023. His first emergence was as a result of the disqualification of David Lyon’s deputy for presenting false certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Due to the event, Diri’s first swearing-in ceremony was done under close watch and the fear that the opposition might protest against the development, making the event attended by a few stakeholders in the state the Peoples Democratic Party.
The governor and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, were sworn in for the second time by the State Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, on Wednesday at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, the state capital, in the presence of dignitaries including the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Governors AbdulRahman Abdul Razak (Kwara), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Mohammed Bago (Niger), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo) were present, Uba Sani (Kaduna), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) were among the others.
The event was also attended by other national and state party leaders, as well as former Senate Presidents Bukola Saraki and Adolphus Wabara, who was a day ago confirmed as chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees
.Giving his acceptance speech, governor Diri promised the residents of the state to continue with his performance by providing the dividends of democracy and good governance. He also encouraged the state to cooperate with his administration as there is still more to be done.
“In our first term in office, we made solemn promise to pursue a path of love, reconciliation, unity, peace, and security because we understand its best served our quest to ensure prosperity in all Bayelsans. As we embark on this second-term journey, let me earnestly assure you that our commitment to progress and advancement of Bayelsa remains the same and steadfast.
“Your unwavering support and faith in our vision for a better Bayelsa fuel our determination to continue working tirelessly for our collective welfare and development, whereas we achieved remarkable milestones in various sectors during our first term. We also recognise that there is still more to be done.
“Indeed, we can say with humility that in the last four years we did not merely count the years we have made the years to truly during our first time we worked to improve the condition of of our roads schools and hospitals create more jobs for our people and tackled the disunity and insecurity that was affecting our people 4 years later we can modestly tell ourselves that we have done well and this could not have been possible without your support.
“Like the legendary footballer King Pelle once said no individual can win a game by himself alone the synergy and the trust among us has made it possible for us to come thus far by effectively managing our resources we have successfully developed vital infrastructure and implemented strategic measures in various sectors which created opportunities for our people across the local government areas and also established a robust foundation for optimism about our future
“It is the strong belief of this prosperous government that our citizens should have a more active and direct role in shaping and participating in the economy. From small business owners and entrepreneurs to industry leaders and investors, everyone has a part to play in driving economic growth and prosperity.
“With this vision in mind, we have to kick-start the implementation of this economic plan and engage stakeholders, we are excited to announce the upcoming Bayelsa State Economic Development Summit in Yenagoa, the state capital.
“By effectively managing our resources, we have successfully developed vital infrastructure and implemented strategic measures in various sectors, which created opportunities for our people across the eight Local Government Areas and also established a robust foundation for optimism about our future prospects.
“Under the Prosperity Administration, there is no culture of abandoning projects as we continued and completed a number of inherited projects while initiating new ones. So much so that it is safe to say our state resembles a humongous construction site.
“With this vision in mind, we have developed a comprehensive and ambitious 10-year economic plan for the state. This plan outlines our strategies and initiatives to diversify and strengthen our economy, create jobs, attract investments, and improve the standard of living for all Bayelsans.
“To kick start the implementation of this economic plan and to engage stakeholders, we are excited to announce the upcoming Bayelsa State Economic Development Summit in Yenagoa, the state capital.
“This summit will serve as a platform for sharing ideas, discussing opportunities, and forging partnerships to accelerate the economic growth of our state.
“Permit me to emphasise at this point the imperative of unity and togetherness. We must remember that meaningful and lasting progress can only be achieved when we work together as a united front.
“To the State Executive Council and my loyal aides, I congratulate you on your sacrifices and industry as our first term in office officially ended today.
“Today, as we embark on this next phase of our journey, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment where the pages of history unfold before us. With boldness, determination, and a spirit of collaboration, we shall overcome obstacles and transform our aspirations into remarkable achievements”, he concluded.
