“Where there is unity there is always victory.” – Publilius Syrus
The November 11th governorship election has come and gone, and a winner has been declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the person of Governor Douye Diri.
I came to Bayelsa State on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, to monitor and report the step-by-step process of the electoral process leading to Saturday’s election.
From Wednesday to Friday, I went with my political editor to several communities such as Azikoro, Agudama; Ede-Pie; Egbebiri; Ekeki, Amarata; Kpansia; Tombia; Yenegwe in Yenagoa LGA; Cape Formosa; Captninakiri; Clarendon; Sounkiri; Sowegbene; Spiffis Town; Tana; Tengikiri; Tereke in Brass LGA; Peretou-Gbene; Tamogbene; Tamu-Gbene; Tarakiri in Ekeremor LGA; Ayokoroma; Gbarama; Igbanwa; Igbedi in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA; Benkiri; Dorgu-Ewoama; Dumobi-Kumakiri; Ekpeikiri; Elemuama in Nembe LGA; Otuegwe; Otuekpein; Otuogidi in Ogbia LGA; Toru-Orua and Agorogbene in Sagbama LGA and Glologbene; Kamboira Boria; Kasoma; Kogbene; Aguobiri; Aleegbene; Amassoma; Angiama; Angiama-gbene; Ayama in Southern Ijaw LGA.
The clamour for Diri/Law was what almost every individual we spoke to was preaching. The governor was rated 99% on security, followed by road infrastructure and educational development.
According to the residents of Bayelsa, the Diri Douye administration has done remarkably well in strengthening the various security networks in the state and has also overseen the apparent reconciliation of various parties that had been at loggerheads in the past, thereby contributing to a breakdown of law and order from time to time.
Since his administration has notably expanded the rigorous approach to peace and security in the state’s waterways, Diri has not forgotten individuals living in riverine communities. Because of the government’s concerted efforts to provide the resources necessary for them to operate, the marine police have demonstrated exceptional quality in supporting the Nigerian Navy in protecting national waters.
Without a doubt, the people voted for the governor because of his outstanding governance during his first time in office. It was a justifiable fight and triumph. The establishment of a culture of peaceful cohabitation, unity, a progressive and people-oriented agenda, and hard work has resulted in a win and validation for excellent administration.
Governor Diri’s spread of infrastructural projects to all sections and segments of the state earned him this victory.
The Governor’s Prosperity Projects, which included both large-scale and smaller-scale initiatives spread throughout the state’s eight local government districts, are what brought him today’s win.
In the three senatorial zones of the state, Diri’s administration has already started building about 250 kilometres of internal roads. Hopefully, his second term will bring more extensive road restoration and development.
It is indisputable that his government has made noteworthy advancements in the fields of agriculture, sports, health, and education, as well as in human capacity development and empowerment initiatives.
I must congratulate Governor Douye Diri on his well-deserved victory as well as Bayelsans for voting for the prosperity and development of the state.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached at 08166240846.
