Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has officially handed over the reins of government to his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as he embarks on his annual leave.
The governor made the announcement on his social media handle on on Monday , confirming that his leave has begun.
Governor Diri, who was inaugurated for a second term in February 2024, acknowledged that it has been a particularly demanding year for him. Despite the busy year, he assured the people of Bayelsa that his absence would not disrupt the governance of the state, as his deputy has been granted full authority to oversee all state functions in his stead.
The governor’s message also emphasized that the ongoing development projects and government programs would continue without delay during his time off. Diri reassured Bayelsans that the execution of various state programs by ministries, agencies, and departments would proceed smoothly under the leadership of his deputy.
Diri’s message also addressed ongoing efforts to resolve the prolonged blackout in the state. He provided an update on the repairs to the damaged Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV transmission line, noting that progress had been made in fixing the infrastructure, despite it not being directly under the state’s control. The governor expressed empathy for the hardships caused by the power outage, particularly for business owners, and assured the public that power would be restored soon.
Additionally, Diri mentioned that security measures were in place at the repair sites in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of Rivers State to ensure the completion of the works. He also highlighted the state government’s plans to establish an Independent Power Plant as part of efforts to ensure a more reliable electricity supply in the future.
The governor concluded his message by wishing Bayelsans well for the week ahead, reaffirming that the state would remain in capable hands during his temporary absence.
His words, “With effect from today, November 25, 2024, I am proceeding on my annual leave.
“It has been a very busy year for me since our inauguration for the 2nd term in February this year.
“My absence will not in anyway affect governance in the State as the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, @iamElaw has the mandate to take charge of all state functions.
“Also, my absence shall not in anyway cause delay in the execution of all ongoing projects and programmes by various ministries, agencies and departments.
“On the prolonged blackout in the State, I am happy that our intervention in the repairs of the vandalised towers is yielding result with the completion of restringing of the damaged Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line.
“In as much as the transmission line does not belong to the Bayelsa State Government, our intervention was purely in the interest of the people.
“I understand the pains and the economic loss our people have been subjected to due to the blackout. The business owners are the worst hit!
“With the comprehensive repair works done so far, I am hopeful power will soon be restored once the recently vandalised conductor at towers 29 to 31 is replaced.
“I have also been reliably informed that both conventional and local security have been engaged at Ula Ikata and Ihuike communities in Ahoada-East LGA of Rivers State to secure the site until other repair works are completed.
“While we battle to restore public power, our government has commenced a process to develop our own Independent Power Plant through the procurement and installation of new Gas Turbines.
“We are committed to ensuring steady electricity supply in the State in line with our ASSURED Prosperity Agenda.
“Happy New Week all as I officially proceed on my leave. Nua!”
