Diri urges political restraint ahead of 2027
By Mishael Emmanuel
Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, has called on politicians in the state to conduct themselves within the bounds of the law as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Wednesday during the State Executive Council meeting at Government House in Yenagoa, the governor stressed that politics should be driven by service to the people rather than personal ambition.
He urged aspirants across party lines to exercise restraint and adhere strictly to established rules guiding the political process.
Diri noted that the political atmosphere in the state remained largely peaceful and voluntary, commending the absence of coercion among aspirants.
He, however, reiterated the importance of respecting zoning arrangements where applicable, adding that internal party mechanisms must be upheld.
Referencing the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the governor explained that direct primaries would be adopted in situations where consensus could not be reached.
He also advised that lawmakers who had served only one term should, where possible, be allowed to complete a second term to ensure continuity, except in exceptional circumstances.
“We are in the political season, and I like the way it is progressing because nobody is being forced,” Diri said.
“Politicians must pursue their ambitions based on existing laws and within the ambit of decency and order.”
Beyond politics, the council meeting also highlighted the state’s achievements across key sectors, particularly healthcare, environmental governance, and the marine economy.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, presented an international award recognizing the governor’s leadership in healthcare development.
The honour, conferred by a body of nurses from Commonwealth countries, acknowledged improvements such as the upgrade of the School of Nursing Sciences to a full College of Nursing Sciences and the construction of a 250-capacity ICT centre in Tombia.
Brisibe also cited the employment of 200 nurses and midwives in primary healthcare facilities and enhanced welfare packages as major milestones that earned the state global recognition.
Additionally, the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa honoured Diri for his long-standing contributions to the sector.
In the marine sector, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Doctor Faith Izibenua-Zibs, presented an award from the Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management, acknowledging Bayelsa’s pioneering role in establishing Nigeria’s first subnational Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Similarly, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), delivered an Environmental Rights Governance Award on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Institute, in collaboration with “Call A Lawyer.” The award recognised the administration’s commitment to human rights and good governance.
Responding, Governor Diri dedicated the awards to his administration, describing them as a collective achievement.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to sustaining progress, particularly in healthcare and environmental protection.
“These awards belong to all of us,” he said. “They show that we are on the right path, especially in safeguarding human rights and prioritising the welfare of our people. We will not relent in doing what is right for Bayelsa.”
The meeting underscored both the state’s political readiness for 2027 and its ongoing strides in governance, as the administration continues to balance political stability with developmental progress.
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