Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the National Assembly to consider amending the 1999 Constitution to allow state governors a third term in office, arguing that it would help reduce the high number of abandoned projects across the country.
Governor Diri made the call while addressing a large gathering at King Koko Square in Nembe, the headquarters of Nembe Local Government Area, during his ongoing ‘Thank-You Tour’ across the eight local government areas of the state.
Responding to requests from the people of Nembe, the governor acknowledged their demands but stated that time constraints could hinder his administration from fulfilling some of them.
“It is not proper to start a project and abandon it for another government. So, some of your demands can be achieved. But I will suggest you talk to Hon. Marie Ebikake, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Hon. Oforji Oboku and Senator Benson Agadaga to tell the National Assembly to tinker with the constitution and consider giving governors third term in office,” Diri said.
The governor noted that his administration is focused on completing the state’s independent power plant project by the end of the year. He disclosed that a 60-megawatt twin gas-powered turbine procured by the state government will soon arrive, with installation already underway at Elebele.
“We are rich in gas and by the end of this year, the problem of power supply will be a thing of the past. This new plant is expected to serve Yenagoa, Nembe, Ogbia, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Sagbama and parts of Ekeremor local government areas,” he said.
He also promised that once the issue of power is resolved, the state would move to address access to potable water across major communities.
On the request for the construction of the Igbeta–Ewoama–Okoroba road, Diri said that although time was limited, his government would collaborate with federal agencies like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the South-South Development Commission to actualize the project.
The governor thanked the people of Nembe Kingdom for their massive turnout and unwavering support, particularly during the 2023 governorship election that secured his re-election with Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
“We promised that when you elect us for a second term, we will come back to say thank you. So, this is the time to express our gratitude to the people of Nembe Local Government Area,” he added.
During the visit, Diri also paid homage to the Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XIII, where he promised to renovate the palace pavilion and expressed appreciation for the monarch’s continued support.
In his remarks, King Daukoru commended the governor’s consistency and praised him for fulfilling promises made to the people.
“What you promised, you have done. The blessings of the throne will keep flowing for you,” the monarch prayed.
The governor was accompanied by top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and party stalwarts, including Senator Benson Agadaga, Hon. Marie Ebikake, Hon. Fred Agbedi, and Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere.
