Senator Douye Diri, A Strong and Effective Governor – JP Owoupele Breaks Silence

By Adeleye Kunle

What has remained undisputed in the last two years of governance in Bayelsa State is that we have a Governor who is in touch with his people and understands the philosophy of governance in all its ramifications, TrackNews reports.

As a result, those behind the recent unpatriotic campaign to paint the Governor in a negative light are being insensitive. We are aware that this is a deliberate attempt by certain quarters to malign and paint a picture of failure and nonperformance on the Governor’s part.

However, we are not unconcerned about these acts, but we are persuaded by the legacies that are undisputed, known, and verifiable in terms of governance and projects.

While it is claimed that the first year of his presidency was marred by natural unforeseen events such as the covid pandemic, which resulted in low receipts from federation accounts, the second year has been most notable and marked by people-oriented projects that are either completed or nearing completion.

His acceptance in the state and nationally has grown tremendously as a result of his calm and all-encompassing leadership style. This reality has caused concern among many aspiring politicians, who are clearly envious of his rising political profile in comparison to their lofty ambitions in 2023 and beyond.

As a people and a state, we are wise, knowledgeable, and conscious enough to see the writing on the wall and correctly identify where this politics of acute calumny is emanating from in this political season.

While it is true that this is election season, we must evaluate situations with caution and make informed decisions on such sensitive issues.

Let those who are bent on slandering and undermining the Governor’s good works come and show us their track record and proof to the government and people that no projects were initiated or built by his Excellency Senator Douye Diri.

Let them show us that there is no Ernest Ikoli media complex or that we cannot drive to Igbedi on tarred roads initiated and built by this government.

Let them also show the people that the unity bridge and the Ogbia bridges were not built by this administration, and that the new drive from Onopa to the new Yenagoa are all fictitious projects.

Also, whether the Bayelsa Health Insurance mega-structure, as well as the Igbogene road connecting to AIT and the one connecting to the ecumenical center, and many other such lofty projects in various sectors in Yenagoa and environs, are all ghost projects.

Only the blind and cynically wicked, in our opinion, will ignore these worthy projects and attempt to prove through such callous submissions that this government is a non-performer.

Today, the welfare of State civil servants is given the highest priority, and civil servants are grateful for the Governor’s modest efforts, as well as the deliberate managerial policies and actions to increase productivity. These actions have had a positive impact on the working population in the civil service, to the point where retired civil servants now smile to the bank to collect their gratitude and pensions. A development that was last seen more than ten years ago.

As a responsible government, we will not pretend to be unaware of such callous and unethical attempts to underwrite and undermine the Governor’s conscious efforts to change and deepen Bayelsa’s development trajectory.

We will continue to emphasize that Senator Douye Diri has outperformed many of his predecessors in virtually all areas of leadership.

Let the fifth columnists and their sponsors know that times have changed and the people are wise enough to recognize deliberate falsehood intended to tarnish the Governor’s image.

As patriotic and responsible citizens, we must remain steadfast in our support for such people-oriented leadership at all times. We will also not stop applauding and encouraging the Governor for his unprecedented peaceful approach to governance in our beloved state, which has unified our previously divided people.

Today, regardless of political affiliation, our people see development as a source of concern and contribution.

You can be certain that your cheap lies and propaganda against the most peaceful and humble Governor will be resisted at all times.

Senator Diri is hard at work, and no sponsored press war will stop him from fulfilling his promises and serving the people of Bayelsa State.