Bayelsa Youth Group Condemns Political Tensions, Defends Governor Diri’s Leadership

A group known as the Concerned Youth of Bayelsa State has publicly denounced what it described as recent destabilizing political activities in the state. During a press briefing, the group voiced strong support for the current administration led by Governor Douye Diri, and sharply criticized individuals and factions they accuse of inciting unrest.

The group, speaking through its National Chairman, Tony Ile, praised Governor Diri’s leadership style, calling it inclusive, developmental, and unifying. They highlighted his administration’s engagement with stakeholders across party lines and his continued efforts to ensure political peace in Bayelsa. According to the statement, Governor Diri’s government has promoted prosperity and unity by incorporating even members of opposition parties into the state cabinet.

The Concerned Youths attributed the current wave of political tension to a group identified as “The New Associates,” allegedly led by Barrister George Alabh Turner. The group accused Turner of attempting to sow discord in the state and disrupt the peace Bayelsa has enjoyed under Governor Diri’s administration. They described Turner as “ungrateful” and questioned his credibility and public service history, stating that he is already a subject of interest to anti-graft agencies due to past controversies.

The youth organization warned Turner and members of the New Associates to desist from what they termed as “a perilous path.” They claim the group’s activities are fostering division and painting Bayelsa State in a negative light, both within and outside the region. They called on the public to be cautious of Turner’s actions and motives, labeling his group as one driven by self-interest and political instability.

In a particularly stern section of the statement, the group also condemned a former spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council for making what they described as “reckless and disrespectful remarks” against the Governor. They accused him of spreading falsehoods, including claims that the government sent gunmen to disrupt a gathering organized by their faction. The Concerned Youths dismissed these allegations as baseless and warned that such public attacks on the Governor would no longer be tolerated.

They went further to state that they will actively resist any attempts to malign the Governor or disrupt the governance of the state using what they referred to as “road-side lies” and unsubstantiated claims. According to the group, these actions by political “jobbers and neophytes” are attempts to gain relevance and distract the state from its developmental agenda.

The group expressed concern that these individuals were not only harming the image of Bayelsa State but were also undermining national efforts aimed at fostering peace and development in the oil-rich region. They called on the public to be vigilant and reject the divisive agenda of what they termed “a club of ingrates.” The statement further criticized the character and academic competence of some members of the group, alleging that they have a history of dishonorable behavior in public office.

Despite the strong warnings issued, the group concluded their press conference on a more conciliatory note, urging all Bayelsans to maintain unity and support the ongoing efforts of the state government. They also expressed appreciation to the President of Nigeria for approving Phase 2 of the Nembe-Brass road project, describing it as a positive development for the people of Bayelsa.

The Concerned Youths reiterated their commitment to peace and development in the state and urged all residents to rally behind the administration of Governor Douye Diri. They warned that any future attempts to destabilize the state would be met with lawful resistance by Bayelsan youths determined to protect the integrity of their leadership and land.

The press statement concluded with calls for unity and prayers for the continued progress of Bayelsa State, the Ijaw nation, and Nigeria as a whole.