PDP GOVERNORS' FORUM

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has reiterated that he will never join the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite its governors commendable stance on zoning the presidency to the South. The governor, who described the insinuations that he will defect to the APC as speculative, maintained that he remains an unrepentant member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Governor Wike stated these at the 114th quarterly general meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt, the State capital on Monday. He informed the council ahead of Saturday 's presidential election, that he will be voting for only the candidate that can guarantee the unity of the country. "I am not a member of APC and I will not be. But, they have made me to recognise that they are the heroes of this country. The governors came out to say look, for the unity of this country, presidency should go to the south. The governors of APC said the way the county is, they want the uni...

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu had assured traders in markets across the state, especially in Abia South that his desire to go to the Senate in hinged on his passion to promote trade and commerce. The Governor stated this today in Aba when he met with leaders of the market unions and line leaders from across the main markets in Aba. According to the Governor, one of the major factors that have negatively affected the growth of business in Aba is the deplorable state of the Aba - PH highway that has shut down a key window of business for the Aba traders and wondered why a Senator who had been in the Senate for 16 years and wasn't able to attract the reconstruction of the road insists on returning to the Red Chambers. The Governor explained to them that if not for his intervention, the Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers angle would have also been lost on account of the collapse of the Aba Ikot Ekpene highway. He tasked the traders to support his bid for the Senate and see real change. He told them ...

  …  Tasks Traditional Rulers On Peace In Domains Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has sued for calm following the raging controversy over the redesign of the country’s currency notes by the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Governor Diri maintained that it is within the rights of the government at the centre to implement the policy and urged it to take practical steps to reduce the pains being experienced by Nigerians. His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as having spoken during the 22nd state security council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday. He lauded the people of the state for not resorting to illegal means of resolving the issues, expressing optimism that the challenges being faced as a result of the policy will soon be over. His words: "We are all aware that by Saturday elections will commence. Our state has been safe and I like it to continue.  “All of us should join hands with the...

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday, swore in Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), urging him to be steadfast and diligent on the job. The oath of allegiance and oath of office was administered by Registrar of the State High Court, Mr. Amaebi Orukari, inside the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa. The office became vacant last year following the resignation of the former SSG, Dr. Konbowei Benson, to contest the Bayelsa Central senatorial ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he won. Alabo Ekeuwei returns to the office he once occupied during the Chief Timi Sylva administration between 2008 and 2011, becoming the first in the history of the state to be sworn in twice as SSG. He was the 7th and now the 13th SSG in the 26-year-old state. Giving his charge, Senator Diri explained that the event was scheduled to hold on February 13 but had to be rescheduled following the sudden passage of his father, Pa A...

  …Assents to amended Chieftaincy and Criminal Justice Laws Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has inaugurated the re-constituted State Council of Chiefs. Governor Ortom also assented to the amended Benue State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Councils Law, 2016 as well as the amended Criminal Justice Law recently passed by the State House of Assembly. Governor Ortom who performed the ceremony Monday, February 20th, 2023 at the new Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi said it was in line with Section 3 (2) of the Benue State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Councils Law, 2016. The Governor in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 3(3) of the same Law appointed the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse as Chairman of the Council with the Och'Idoma, His Royal Majesty, John Elaigwu Odogbo as the Council's Vice Chairman. He disclosed that the  Benue State Council of Chiefs as re-constituted has two 10 First Class Chiefs, and 23 Second Cla...

The former Vice President of Nigeria and the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has promised not to disappoint Nigerians if elected the next president of Nigeria in the forthcoming general elections. The PDP presidential hopeful stated this at Mahmud Ribadu Square in Yola in an event marking the grand finale of the PDP campaign after a successful tour across the country. He revealed that a similar opportunity was presented to him under the platform of the party in 2019 but couldn't succeed and urged the people to take up this opportunity not to fail the state and the party in the forthcoming elections. He promised to ensure he work towards actualizing his promise of restructuring the country and improving Nigeria's economy and the education sector among others. He acknowledged the passion and giant strides of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in the development of the state especially his investment in the education sector saying that the Governor has done we...

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has condoled with the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, following the demise of his father, Pa Abraham Diri. The delegation led by the president, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, was at the Sampou community home of the governor on Friday. Prof. Okaba said Pa Diri’s death was not only a loss to the Governor but also the entire Ijaw nation being its Governor General. The INC President noted that it was proper to solidarise and identify with one of their own in his moment of grief and to support him in the planning of the burial process.  He stated that Pa Diri died a great man, stressing that the Ijaws will miss his fatherly advice. Okaba also expressed delight that the late octogenarian raised a son that is a pride of the Ijaws and promised that the INC will continue to support the Governor to remain focused despite the demise of his father. He said: “The Governor of Bayelsa State is also the Governor General of the Ijaw nation. So the loss is not ...

The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD has directed the State Board of Internal Revenue to suspend the collection of taxes in all markets across the State, with immediate effect. Governor Ikpeazu who gave this directive today while speaking to traders at the Good Morning Market said that this was as a result of the difficulties faced by traders in the aftermath of the Currency Redesign Policy of the Federal Government. According to the Governor, "the Currency Redesign Policy has made life difficult for the average Nigerian but the traders are worst hit. They cannot have access to the little money they have in deposit money banks and some of these businesses still exist at the subsistence level. It will therefore be difficult to expect these traders to also pay taxes to Government under the present circumstances". The Governor is of the view that this tax break will make life easier for the traders while all citizens wait patiently for the federal government to stabil...

  . . .Says Governor Not G-10 Member Bayelsa State Government has demanded unreserved apology from a group of civil society organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of the Civil Society Organisations Central Coordinating Council over a false allegation against Governor Douye Diri. The CSOs through its member, Gabriel Ojemena, alleged at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday that Governor Diri was among a group of 10 governors (G-10) opposing President Muhammadu Buhari on the Naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The CSOs also claimed that the 10 governors were disrespectful of Mr. President and planning to make the country ungovernable if the policy was not reversed. These are not only unfounded and baseless allegations but they are also annoying and provocative.  It is even more ridiculous and insensitive coming at a time the Governor is mourning the passing of his father.  The government is particularly dismayed that CSOs that should be better informe...

 …as Gov takes campaign to Kajola, Iwajowa LGs ....promises to explore solid mineral potentials of communities Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that his administration has spent up to N40 billion on the construction and reconstruction of different  roads that link Oke Ogun to other zones of the state. The Governor, who stated this on Tuesday, during campaign visits to several communities in Iwajowa Local Government, also said that his administration will explore solid mineral potentials of communities in Iwajowa Local Government. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, on behalf of the Media Committee of the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde Campaign Council, indicated that the governor met with the League of Imams and Alfas, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and non-indigenes in the Council. At the separate meetings, the Governor explained that his administration has been able to impact massively on the eco...

....State Exco, Security Council, PDP, Others Visit Sampou Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, said he actually broke down when he received the news of the passing of his father, Pa Abraham Diri. The octogenarian died at 88 years on Sunday. Speaking at his Sampou community home on Monday when he received scores of visitors, including members of the State Executive Council, security commanders and the state executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Diri said he thought he was very strong until the night of Sunday when he could not hold back tears. In an emotion-laden voice, the Bayelsa helmsman expressed gratitude to members of his cabinet for sharing in his family’s moment of pain and sadness. He said his father died as his administration was commemorating three years in office and wished that he lived longer. According to him, government had lined up a number of activities to mark the anniversary but because of the sad development, all official engagements had ...

...Says He Deserves Another Term Based On Performance Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said his emergence as governor was not a mistake but by divine arrangement.  He stated that before he became governor, there were clear signs that God had already ordained it.  Speaking on Sunday during his administration’s third anniversary  thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, he also said God made no mistake in using former Governor Seriake Dickson as an instrument to bring him to office.  Governor Diri remarked that with the blessings bestowed upon Bayelsa by God, the people of the state had no choice but to be thankful for His goodness. He urged the people to shun the pull-him-down syndrome in order for the state to make progress. The state’s helmsman, who acknowledged that power comes from God, said he deserves a second term in office based on his performance so far. He rededicated himself to the service of the state and assured that going...

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors' Forum (PDPGF) under the leadership of H. E. Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR - (Governor of Sokoto State) commiserates with Senator Douye Diri - Governor of Bayelsa State over the death of his father, Lay Reader Pa Abraham Michael Joseph Diri. 2. Pa Diri, a retired Headmaster, a devout Christian and a man of exemplary humility, departed on Sunday, February 12 at the age of 88 years. 3. It is saddening and a painful loss, not only to Gov. Diri and the Great Diri Family of Kalama-Owei Wari in Sampou Community of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, but also to the people of Bayelsa and  Nigeria. 4. The Forum grieves over the death of this great personality,  particularly at this time Bayelsa state and indeed the nation at large, need his prayers, intercessions and wise counsel the most. 5. Pa Diri was a rare gem; an exceptionally resourceful, upright, straightforward and patriotic Nigerian, who sacrificially committe...

...Okowa Thumbs Up State’s Health Insurance Programme ...Dickson Inaugurates Transport Terminal Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said the state is enjoying steady growth due to the continuity policy of his administration. Governor Diri stated that continuing projects of previous administrations had not only saved funds of the state but had ensured that they reaped the full benefits of the policy. The Bayelsa helmsman, who spoke during the inauguration of a new complex for the Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme (BHIS) in Yenagoa on Wednesday, noted that the scheme was a brainchild of the immediate past administration of Senator Seriake Dickson. Delta State Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, inaugurated the BHIS House as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Diri administration. Diri said his administration decided to continue with the health scheme due to its benefits to people of the state....

  . . .Gov Diri Inaugurates Patrol Vehicles, Motorcycles  The first batch of 603 trainees under the Bayelsa State Community Safety Corps were on Thursday inaugurated by Governor Douye Diri in Yenagoa, the state capital. The Corps came into existence in December 2021 when Governor Diri signed the bill establishing it into law. The law streamlines the operations of the state's security outfit, Operation Doo-Akpo, the Bayelsa State Volunteers and the Bayelsa Vigilante into an umbrella body. The personnel are mandated to work closely with security agencies in the protection of lives and property. Speaking at the launch/graduation ceremony, Governor Diri enjoined them to  operate within the rules of engagement and not operate as tax collectors, settlers of land disputes or domestic issues but rather work with statutory security agencies to rid the state of criminals. He also urged security agencies to work in synergy with the corps as they would be invaluable in crime fighting...

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, was on Saturday night bestowed the "Sportsville Governor of the Year Award" in recognition of the state’s performance in sports in the last three years of his administration. The Bayelsa helmsman was represented at the ceremony held at the Lagos Country Club in Ikeja-Lagos by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali. Senator Diri was a week ago also honoured as the "Governor of the Year" by The Sun Newspapers. Speaking at the event, Governor Diri dedicated the award to Bayelsa youths, particularly the sportsmen and women, for their hard work and commitment to bringing glory to the state. He expressed joy that his administration’s modest investment in sports was yielding good dividends, noting that the award was an encouragement to do more. Diri said the philosophy of his administration is to ensure that Bayelsa always wins by fair means. His words: “Last weekend, also in Lagos, when I received...

The attention of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has been drawn to the alleged killing of no fewer than 37 herdsmen in Rukubi community of Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Wednesday, January 26, 2023. Since the incident, there have been conflicting reports on what actually transpired. Governor Abdullahi Audu Sule of Nasarawa declared on Thursday, January 26, that the herdsmen were killed through what looked like a drone attack. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) said since the military was the only authority to deploy drone attack; the Federal Government should wade into the matter   to bring the culprits to book. We are aware that the Nigerian Air Force undertook an operation against terrorist targets in areas bordering Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba in the same period. Also, there was no report of cattle casualties mentioned in any of the reports in spite of the claim that the victims are Fulani who just redeemed their cattle from the Be...

  ....says govt won't condone violent protests Oyo State Governor, 'Seyi Makinde, has announced the deployment of free Omituntun transport buses to ease the pains of the people of the state from the twin crisis of Naira and fuel scarcity that have been the lot of Nigerians in recent weeks. Governor Makinde, who announced this in a statewide broadcast aired on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) on Friday night, said that the State Government was ready to do whatever it can to alleviate the suffering of the masses. The Governor, who frowned at the resort to violent protests by some residents of Ibadan earlier on Friday, said that while citizens are free to express their feelings peacefully, government would not condone any resort to violence. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Governor also put all the security agencies operating in the state on high alert to avert any breakdown of law and order. The stateme...

 Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said his administration will collaborate with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to deliver decent and affordable housing to workers as part of efforts to enhance their welfare. Senator Diri stated this when the FMBN management led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Madu Mamman, paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa. To this end, the Governor granted the bank's request for the allocation of land  to support financing of housing initiatives in the state. Senator Diri equally directed the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Barr. Esau Andrew and the Head of Service, Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama, to liaise with the bank to ensure that its ministerial pilot housing projects at Otuoke and Elebele communities in Ogbia Local Government Area were completed. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the Governor as stressing the need to ...