Former Nigerian president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has said that he owes no one apologies for supporting the re-election of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, in the November 11, 2023 off-cycle governorship poll in the state.
Jonathan, also said it was the right thing to do as Diri had the support of the majority of the Bayelsa people to continue in office.
He stated this during the Yuletide visit of the governor and his delegation to his residence in Yenagoa.
Wife of the former president, Dame Patience Jonathan, was also on hand to receive the governor and his entourage.
Jonathan explained that he publicly endorsed Diri’s candidature during the campaigns because of his visionary leadership demonstrated in handling the affairs of the state.
According to him, the governor deserved to be re-elected for his developmental efforts, particularly for ensuring peace and stability in the state.
He said: “I did what l did during the governorship election and l have no apologies to anybody because l know that the governor and his team were doing very well, especially in the area of peace and stability of the state. At a time, l became very worried.
“I have not said others did not do well. After all, l was also governor for a little less than one and a half years and also had my challenges.
“Since Diri came on board, the excesses of cult groups, particularly in Yenagoa, has reduced reasonably. If we must move forward, first and foremost, we must handle the issue of security in order to attract investors. I saw that the governor and his team have a vision and he needed to be encouraged to do another four-year term.”
Jonathan charged the governor to do more to meet the high expectations of the massive support base for his Prosperity Administration, adding that “to whom much was given, much was expected.”
In his response, Diri expressed appreciation to the former president for his support and endorsement, which contributed to the Peoples Democratic Party’s victory at the poll.
According to Diri, “your endorsement of a sitting governor was more than billions of naira. And so having secured that endorsement, we were very sure of victory. We are here to say a big thank you as that has brought stability in the state.
“So, with the kind of peace and security we have in our state, Bayelsa is ready for private investors to come in.”
The state’s helmsman expressed optimism that Jonathan would have more roles to play in reconciling people in the country and the African continent to ensure peace and development.
Diri also thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a peaceful, free and credible election in the state.
Meanwhile, the State Governor has assured people of the state of more developmental projects in his second term in office, which commences on February 14.
Diri made the pledge in his New Year message aired on Yenagoa-based radio stations on Monday.
Re-affirming his unwavering commitment towards the overall development of the state, Diri expressed appreciation to the people for their support during the outgone year and in his first tenure.
He said going forward, his administration would actively engage communities irrespective of political choices in order to achieve collective aspirations.
Recounting some of the achievements in various sectors such as education, health, human capital development, infrastructure, security, among others, Diri promised not to rest on his laurels.
He stated that as captured in the state’s 2024 budget, the government would construct an ultra-modern stadium, a renal center at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital at Okolobiri as well as an administrative block for the Primary Healthcare Board.
Diri expressed delight that his administration’s effort to jumpstart the state’s industrialisation had taken a giant leap with his recent assent to the Bayelsa State Electricity Law 2023, saying it promises to be a game-changer for power supply in the state.
While appreciating the House of Assembly’s role in the new law and the entire budget, he said under the electricity law, licences would be issued to private investors, collaboration with existing franchises would be enhanced to expand electricity access in underserved areas and it would also reinforce penalties for non-compliance.
Diri also stated that with collective effort and the unwavering support of people of the state, Bayelsa would make remarkable progress in the New Year with focus on sustaining the progress so far achieved while embarking on new initiatives to move the state to greater heights.
The governor stressed the need for unity irrespective of political leanings, noting that so much could be achieved when the people are united.
He said: “As we step into 2024, I assure you of my unwavering commitment to the overall development and well-being of every citizen of Bayelsa State. Our focus will remain on sustaining the achieved progress while embarking on new initiatives that will further elevate our state to greater heights.
“You have my assurance that we will not disappoint you nor renege on my pledge to work towards a prosperous Bayelsa State that mirrors the hopes and aspirations of our founding fathers.
“Our move towards industrializing the state has taken a giant leap with my assent to the Bayelsa State Electricity Law 2023. This promises to be a game-changer for our power supply, with critical implications for our industrialization programme. Bayelsa State used to generate and distribute its own electricity until 2006.
“However, national regulations prevented the state from commercializing this sector. Recent constitutional amendments and the Electricity Act, 2023, now empower states to commercialize and establish market regulations.”
He added: “The State Electricity Law has thus been introduced to create a regulatory framework that addresses barriers hindering the efficient operation of the State Electricity Market System.
“The law aims to issue licenses to private investors, collaborate with existing franchises to expand electricity access in underserved areas, and enforce penalties for non-compliance.”
Olusegun Samuel
Follow us on:
Anambra lacks formal crowd control law but is working on a regulatory framework, says state…
Retired Air Vice Marshal Akugbe Iyamu has called for urgent preparations for drought, heatwaves, and…
Romania's president Klaus Iohannis is expected to designate Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to form a…
Federal Government of Nigeria has declared public holidays to mark Christmas and New Year festivities…
IGP Egbetokun has ordered an investigation into Jimoh Abdulquadri’s death in police custody, promising justice…
Donald Trump has rejected suggestions that Elon Musk is the true influence behind the newly…
View Comments
N. C. SO91 5608 9111SOME CAR LIST BELOW.
O91 5608 9111
Golf 2 3 4 550k
O91 5608 9111
2012 Matrix N980k
2011 Honda CRV 700k
2011 Honda Element 950k
2008 Camry 990k
2012 Honda Ridgeline 2.2m
2014 Camry LE 2.750m
Camry Spider 950k
Camry Muscle 850k
Tacoma 2.5M
2013 Ford Edge SEL 2m
2014 Ford Edge SEL .3m
Fresh like toks 2013 Benz E200 N.2m
2012 Rav4 1.9m
2014 Kia Cerato 2.m
2014 Benz GLK350 3m
2014 Range Rover evogue 3.650m
2006 Quest 850k
2008 Kia Rio 800k
2010 Camry Xle 1.680m
Haicebus 2.5M
TOKUNBO CARS BELOW :�091_5608_9111
2014 Corolla Sport 1.8m
Corolla 750k
Camry 2.4 750,000
2012 Corolla Sport 1.970m
2014 Corolla Sport 2.980m
Awoof 2012 Lexus RX350 3.5m
2003 Camry XLE - Back Vent AC - V4 - 1.580MVENZA 1.7
2011 Camry N1.280m
2013 Camry N1.520m
2015 Camry LE 1.680m
2005 Matrix 600
2007 Toyota Camry 950k
2008 Camry Sport 2m
Highlander 1m
PADRO JEEP 1.6m
2007 Rav4 Sport N800
2011 Honda pilot EX 900k
2005 Benz E320 N950k
1999 Sienna 250
ES350 1.5MILLION
ES330 1,300m
2000 Lexus RX300 750
Pegeout 407 Manual AC 720k
2008 Honda CRV EX 980
2009 Corolla XLE - Alloy + Formica 850k
2004 Toyota LandCruiser 700k
2004 Corolla LE 300k
2010 RX350 1.6m with Mouse
2011 RX350 2m with mouse
2008 Toyota Tacoma 2.7m
2006 Avalon Thumbstart 750
2007 Avalon key 950mO9I 5608 9111
}〽.INSTALLMENTAL PAYMENT IS FULL ALLOWED!!All VEHICLES ARE HIGHLY NEGOTIABLE〽WE COMMENCE DELIVERY WITHIN 36 STATE IN NIGERIAO9I 5608 9111