Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has assured the people of Southern Ijaw that apart from the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road, his administration will re-commence and complete the road from Toru-Ebeni in Sagbama Local Government Area linking Ogboinbiri-Ekeni-Ezetu communities in the area.
Governor Diri, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the November 11 governorship election, visited Southern Ijaw communities of Ukubie, Ogboinbiri, Korokorosei and Olugbobiri in continuation of his re-election campaigns on Wednesday.
Speaking at Ukubie, headquarters of Southern Ijaw Constituency 4, the governor said the road project will be included in the state’s 2024 budget.
He, however, directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to immediately commence clearing of the road.
The Toru-Ebeni road, which was initiated by former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, when he was governor of the state, was inherited by Senator Seriake Dickson, who continued the project and constructed the Toru-Ebeni bridge.
After inspecting the Ukubie community hospital, Governor Diri directed the Commissioner for Health to immediately assess the health facility and carry out renovation works.
Responding to their requests, the state’s helmsman promised to build a pavilion in the community as well as convey their request for establishment of a police station to the appropriate authorities.
He said: “This constituency needs development and what will facilitate it is the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Bayelsa Central senatorial road as well as the Toru-Ebeni-Ogboinbiri-Ekeni-Ezetu road.
“I hereby direct the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning to include the construction of the road project in the 2024 budget.
“I also direct the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to immediately commence clearing of the road. When these roads are completed, they will not only reduce crime in our communities but also reduce travel time from Yenagoa to Ukubie and other communities.
“A lot of your sons and daughters, including the Secretary to the State Government, commissioners, among others are with us in government and so we assure you of more development.”
Diri urged the people to continue to support his administration, adding that more people from the local government will also benefit from the government’s empowerment schemes.
He said the recent beneficiaries of the government’s skills acquisition training will get their starter packs before next month’s election.
Chairman of the Bayelsa Internal Revenue Board and co-ordinator of the PDP campaign council in the Central Senatorial zone, Prof Nimbofa Ayaowei, said the people were prepared to cast their votes en bloc for the party to ensure it retains the governorship seat.
At Ogboinbiri, Senator Diri inaugurated a market, a constituency project undertaken by former Speaker and incumbent Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Dr. Konbowei Benson.
At Korokorosei community, the governor spoke through his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, stating that it was only the PDP that gave their son, Benson, the opportunity to serve as speaker of the House of Assembly for three terms as well as appointed others into positions of trust.
He said Diri deserved a second term because the administration has constructed roads and other projects, including the ongoing central senatorial road that had reached Oporoma community .
In their remarks, Senator Konbowei Benson and his predecessor, Senator Moses Cleopas, who is also from the area, said PDP will remain the dominant party in Korokorosei community.
Director General of the Bayelsa PDP Campaign Council, Dr. Mitema Obordor, said Diri deserved to be re-elected as his administration was spreading the message of peace, unity, development and prosperity through laudable projects, policies and programmes.
The state party chairman, Mr. Solomon Agwana, received scores of All Progressives Congress (APC) defectors to the PDP at the rally.
Kemebradikumo Godbless, who led the defectors, said after many years in the APC, they realised that the party had nothing to offer them and thanked the leadership of the PDP for accepting them back to the party.
Also, member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rodney Ambaiowei, said on November 11, the people will vote massively for PDP just as they voted for him.
Alt Olugbobiri community, hometown of the running mate of the APC governorship candidate, Diri said his administration would give a facelift to the Olugbobiri General Hospital.
He disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Ebenanawei of Olodiama Clan. King Napoleon Orianzi, adding that the state government would commence supply of critical medical equipment approved for some health facilities in Southern Ijaw, including the Olugbobiri General Hospital next week.
The governor equally promised to deploy medical doctors to the hospital and other health facilities in neighbouring communities.
He said his administration would continue to place premium on the health sector because of the relationship between good health and wealth creation.
Addressing a mammoth crowd at Olugbobiri, the governor thanked the chiefs and people for their warm reception and show of love.
He, however, implored them to translate their solidarity into reality on the day of election by voting massively for the PDP to ensure continuity of good governance.
His words: “I want to remind the good people of Olugbobiri that the man who gives you umbrella when it is raining is your true brother. A man who deceived your son, who almost became a governor, cannot be your true friend or brother.”
In separate remarks, caretaker chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Mr Lucky Okodeh, and the Chairperson of Apoi/Olodiama Rural Development Authority, Mrs Amaran Leah, said their constituency had never had it so good.
They commended the Diri-led administration for the unprecedented number of political appointments and development projects in the area, while calling on the people not to sell their future to politicians who do mean well for them.
Speaking earlier at his palace, the Paramount Ruler of Olugbobiri, Chief Clifford Mangiri, extolled the leadership qualities of Governor Diri, which he said had contributed to the prevailing peace and stability in the state.
Chief Mangiri also expressed gratitude to the administration for continuing the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road, and appealed for construction of arterial roads to connect more communities in the area.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of a lantern and a Bible to the governor in addition to special prayers for the success of PDP in the November election.
