Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri has officially commenced his annual leave, temporarily transferring leadership responsibilities to his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. In a message posted on his X account, Governor Diri confirmed that his leave would begin on November 25, 2024.
Reflecting on the past year, which has been particularly eventful since he began his second term in February, Diri expressed appreciation for the support he has received from the people of Bayelsa. He assured citizens that his temporary absence would not disrupt the administration’s work, as Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo is prepared to oversee state affairs seamlessly.
With effect from today, November 25, 2024, I am officially proceeding on my annual leave,” Diri wrote. “Since our second-term inauguration in February, it has been a busy year, full of important initiatives and projects for Bayelsa State. I want to reassure everyone that my absence will not impede governance or slow the progress of any ongoing programs. Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo will assume all necessary responsibilities to maintain continuity.”
Diri also addressed the recent power challenges in Bayelsa, particularly the prolonged blackout that has affected communities across the state. He detailed the government’s interventions, including repairs to damaged infrastructure on the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV transmission line, which was vandalized, leading to extensive power outages. Although the line is not owned by the state government, Diri emphasized that the administration took action to alleviate the burden on citizens and support local businesses.
I understand the hardships caused by the blackout, especially for business owners who have been severely impacted,” he stated. “Our government’s intervention in repairing the vandalized towers is progressing, with the restringing of the affected Ahoada-Yenagoa line nearly complete. Once the final repairs, including replacement of a damaged conductor at towers 29 to 31, are finished, we expect power to be restored.”
Diri further noted that both local and conventional security teams have been deployed to Ula Ikata and Ihuike communities in Rivers State’s Ahoada-East Local Government Area to ensure the safety of repair crews and prevent further incidents.
To address the region’s power supply issues more sustainably, Diri revealed that the state is moving forward with plans to establish its own Independent Power Plant (IPP). This initiative includes procuring and installing new gas turbines to provide a reliable power source for Bayelsa. The governor emphasized that steady electricity supply is a priority within his administration’s ASSURED Prosperity Agenda, which seeks to drive development and economic growth.
In closing, Governor Diri extended well wishes to the people of Bayelsa and expressed confidence that his deputy’s capable leadership would maintain the administration’s momentum during his leave. “Happy New Week to all as I officially begin my leave. Nua!” he concluded.
