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THE NEED TO BREAK THE JINX OF INCONCLUSIVE TENURE IN BAYELSA CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT.
By Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli
Before the advent of civilization, there was absolute lawlessness in most human societies, a development that made Thomas Hobbes in his “State of Nature” to describe society as where life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short”.
In the above setting, might was right because it was the case of the survival of the fittest (strongest).
The need to create a new system that will accommodate and also protect all humans in society both the weak and strong, the rich and poor and all social strata led to birth cum emergence of a new social order which is “Social Contract”.
Writers and great Philosophers like John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Jean Jacques Rousseau and others are associated with Social Contract which is a detour from State of Nature. In this case, the people who are individual sovereign surrender their respective sovereignty to one individual who is made the ‘SOVEREIGN’ herein known as the Leader, while the masses, hoi polloi are the Led. Even though sovereign, he remains accountable to the people.
Further evolution of society and emergence of different leadership and governance systems led to the invention of Democracy among others.
Advanced and civilized societies appreciate democracy because of its accommodating and inclusive nature with diversity, multiparty system and others as key ingredients.
In the above, political parties are mere vehicles through which people are conveyed to the destination which is the custody and possession of Instruments for Resource Allocation and Control of State Powers.
Bayelsa State like most states in Nigeria since the inception of our contemporary democracy in 1999 has evolved and developed power Sharing, Zoning and Rotation system which started with our great HERO Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Ph.D JP from Bayelsa Central Senatorial District as the First Executive Governor with Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as his Deputy. Sadly, the tenure was inclusive due to political crisis that led to his impeachment.
Dr. Goodluck Jonathan from Bayelsa East Senatorial District as the second Governor of Bayelsa State stayed about a year in office before his elevation as Running Mate to Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and their subsequent victory and emergence as President and Vice President respectively.
The above development paved way for the emergence of Chief Timipre Sylva who came second during the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the Third Executive Governor of Bayelsa State and he spent five(5) years in office before the political crisis that ended his leadership of the state.
Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson from Bayelsa West Senatorial District is the one who successfully broke the JINX of inclusive tenure system in the State.
Today, it is the turn of Bayelsa Central Senatorial District and there is need to support them to complete the established Two Terms arrangement. I say the above because the Zoning and Rotation system started with Bayelsa Central. It is unfortunate that those ugly incidents happened. The need for TOTAL HEALING should spur all well meaning Bayelsans to support the ongoing smooth transition system.
But above all, Senator Douye Diri has proven his leadership competence, resilience and his passion for the Peace, Unity, Security, Growth and Development of Bayelsa State beyond all reasonable doubt.
Without equivocation, I can make bold to say that Gov. Douye Diri is one of the greatest things that has happened to Bayelsa State, Bayelsans and indeed the entire Ijaw Nation. We need to join forces with him to build the New Bayelsa State of our dream.
Very Importantly, the November 11th Governorship is not about APC and PDP, rather it is about the Future of Bayelsa State, Bayelsans and the entire Ijaw Nation.
Dr. Braduce Angozi, a two-time governorship contender in Delta State, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday anniversary.
Angozi who was a former commissioner of Delta State applauded the governor for the peace and stability in the state.
He further emphasised that the governor had taken infrastructural development of the state to another enviable level, citing numerous bridges and massive road constructions going in the state.
Dr Angozi praised the governor’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and progress, noting that under his leadership, strides have been made in various sectors including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
The former Chairman of Burutu Local Government Council Dr. Angozi commended the governor’s resilience and determination, pointing out that the governor’s ability to inspire unity and foster collaboration among diverse groups has been instrumental in driving positive change.
He encouraged the governor to remain steadfast in his mission to improve the lives of all Deltans and to work towards a brighter and more prosperous future for the state.
While Dr Angozi acknowledged the several contributions that Governor Oborevwori had made to the development of the state and the improvement of the lives of its citizens, he wished him good health, wisdom, and countless blessings in the year ahead.
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro (PhD.), has extended warm felicitations to the Governor of Delta State, Rt3. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on the celebration of his 62nd birthday. In a heartfelt message, Otuaro described the governor as a visionary leader whose administration has fostered remarkable progress, unity, and peace across the state.
According to Otuaro, Oborevwori’s tenure has not only rekindled hope amongst the people but has also strengthened the foundations of development in Delta. He lauded the governor’s sterling performance and unwavering commitment to service, affirming that Deltans remain confident in his ability to lead the state to a greater future.
This was contained in a statement, signed by
Mr Igoniko Oduma, the Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme.
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has congratulated the Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday.
Otuaro described the governor as a worthy leader who is proving provided an exemplary leadership resulting in speedy development in the state.
He stressed that Oborevwori was strengthening the existing peace, development, and unity in the state.
The PAP Administrator said that the people of the state believed in the governor’s ability to lead the state, and they were satisfied with his sterling performance.
He said the state was on the march to a great future with Oborevwori in the saddle.
While celebrating the governor, Otuaro said, “I wholeheartedly felicitate His Excellency, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, on the occasion of your 62nd birthday.
“Your Excellency has provided remarkable leadership, strengthening the existing peace, development, and unity in the state.
“It is a fact beyond contestation that Deltans are satisfied with your sterling performance.
“With you in the saddle, Delta State is assured of a great future.”
“Otuaro prayed to the Almighty God to sustain His blessings of wisdom and good health upon Oborevwori to continue to render service to Delta State and, indeed, Nigeria” the statement read.
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Ijaw Youth Council Celebrates Governor Douye Diri On His Birthday, Hails His Developmental Impact in Bayelsa
By Favour Bibaikefie – IduwiniVoice
Yenagoa, June 4,2025 – The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has extended warm birthday wishes to His Excellencey, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, describing him as a beacon of progress and a true embodiment of Ijaw pride
In a press statement signed by the Council’s Spokesman, Amb. (DR) Binebai Yerin Princewill, the IYC praised Governor Diri for his commitment to development, peace, and inclusive governance. The Council acknowledged his transformative leadership and lauded him for his strides in infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic diplomacy.
“The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has Congratulated His Excellencey Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State On his birth anniversary, describing him as a champion of Development in Bayelsa State.”
The IYC noted that Governor Diri ‘s has brought visible improvements to the state, reflecting his deep sense of preparedness and comments even before he assumed office.
“Governor Douye Diri ‘s performance as Governor of our dear State within the past years in office shows how prepared, versatile and committed he was before becoming Governor of Bayelsa State as he is truly the Governor general of Ijaw Nation, today Bayelsa State is gradually having an encouraging look due to the developmental strides of Diri. His prosperity agenda is no doubt touching all sectors in Bayelsa State.”
The statement also highlighted the Governor’s peaceful deposition and unwavering support for ijaw institutions, stating:
“As a council, the Governor’s peaceful deposition in Bayelsa State, his love and support for Council’s activities and ijaw nation truly stands him out, Ijaw nation is truly proud of you as posterity will judge you right.”
Beyond local transportation, the IYC commended Diri ‘s effort in attracting investments, most notably his engagement with the Aliko Dangote Group.
“However, Governor Douye Diri is not only transferring Bayelsa State with massive road projects and political appointments to ijaw Youth but also wooing investors to Bayelsa State with the latest move being the Aliko Dangote Group of companies where in Aliko Dangote was in Bayelsa State himself for investment purpose.”
Calling for unity among ijaw people, the IYC urged collective support for the Governor’s development agenda:
“Ijaw is one and we will continue to be one, this is a call from council that we must all rally round our dear Governor to support his transformational drive in building the Bayelsa State of our dream. The Governor is doing well hence we must do everything to support him.”
The Council also used the occasion to recall Diri ‘s role during the funeral of the late Pa Edwin Clark and his contributions to strengthening Ijaw organizations like the INC and IYC.
“Council recognized the role you played before and during the burial of Late Pa Edwin Clark, Your positive drive in strengthening Ijaw critical institutions like the INC AND IYC.”
Furthermore, the IYC advocated for increased federal presence in Bayelsa State:
“We are assuring you your Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa State that we are already lending our voice as a council that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all relevant authorities in the Nigerian State should as a matter of urgency consider and increase the number of Federal Local Governments Councils in Bayelsa State as we have been cheated and treated unfairly over the years by successive Governments at the centre with just eight local government council.”
In closing, the IYC offered prayers for Governor Diri ‘s continued strength and success:
“It is our prayer that the Lord Almighty shall continue to envelop you with sound health, long life and prosperity and may he give you more knowledge and unprecedented wisdom to continue to pilot the affairs of Bayelsa State. Congratulations once again our dear Governor.”
Governor Diri ‘s leadership continues to inspire confidence among ijaw youths, and the IYC ‘s message reflects the growing support he enjoys for his bold vision of a prosperous Bayelsa.