The Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Douye Diri has announced that he would be embarking on his annual leave, with effect from Monday, November 25, 2024.
Mr. Diri made the disclosure today, noting that it has been a very busy year for him since inauguration for the second term in February this year.
His words: “My absence will not in anyway affect governance in the State as the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo 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, he expressed delight that his administration’s intervention in the repairs of the vandalised towers is yielding result, with the completion of restringing of the damaged Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line.
Governor Diri explained that since the transmission line does not belong to the Bayelsa State Government, his administration’s intervention was purely in the interest of the people.
He acknowledged the pains and economic loss the residents have been subjected to due to the blackout, emphasising that 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,” the governor revealed.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring steady electricity supply in the state, in line with his administration’s Assured Prosperity Agenda.
