It is a generally known fact that no state or society can actually grow above the mindsets of its leadership and people.
The above simply means that the successes or the otherwise of every society is largely dependent on the disposition of the leaders and citizenry.
Bayelsa like every other state and society, has gone through different stages. The state has gotten a fair share of insecurity, gross underdevelopment and even political instability.
But in all, the Body Language of the leader at the helm of affairs plays very significant role. Proverbs 29:2 captured it very succinctly when it said “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan”.
There were times that Bayelsans lived in so much darkness. The streets of Yenagoa, the state capital was darker than anything we can ever imagine. There were times Bayelsans lived in perpetual fear of the unknown. As a matter of fact, members of the opposition sneaked in and out of the state. They couldn’t move freely or associate with members of the ruling party freely in public. They even slept with one eye open for fear of the unknown. Workers were not sure of when their accumulated half salaries will be paid to them. At some point, Bayelsans lost hope, confidence and self-esteem. They were reduced to shadows of their old selves.
Over time, Bayelsans began to live like the Epicurean Philosophers whose slogan and believe was “let us eat, drink and make merry, for tomorrow we shall die”. Hopelessness took away the spirit of planning, self-esteem and others.
But the coming of Gov. Douye Diri took away old things and made everything new. Today, Bayelsa is not only adjudged as the ” SAFEST STATE” in the country, investors have confidence in their safety and security of their businesses and investments. Nigerians and foreigners come into Bayelsa state without any fear of the unknown.
The ASSURED Prosperity administration treat Civil Servants like Kings and Queens and the prioritization of workers welfare has not only motivated and ensured efficiency and productivity, it has led to so much commitment and dedication in the civil service.
Today, Bayelsans are into many productive ventures contrary to the mindset and believe that Bayelsans are lazy and unproductive. Bayelsans are manufacturing different products that they even export to neighbouring states and outside the country.
Gov. Douye Diri has consciously eliminated the spirit and dichotomy that threatened the unity of Bayelsans. He has eradicated the divisive, destructive and distractive concept of “CORE IJAW”. He does not give any preferential treatment to any part or segment of the state.
SDD as he is fondly called by his friends, close allies and supporters does not encourage or tolerate any form of discrimination or segregation. The above is evidence in his appointments. Majority of his political appointees are people that were written off by political leaders, estranged godfathers and even society.
He is one leader that does not listen to negative gossips or treat anyone based on negative things that people say about the person. He believes and respects the dignity of human person. He believes that everyone is important depending on roles that every individual play in society.
Gov. Douye Diri did not only restore hope to multitudes who were hitherto hopeless, God used him to give multitudes new lives and second chances in life.
His Excellency has consciously and deliberately eliminated the division and enmity that political party affiliations caused in the state. I say this without mincing word because there was a time that members of different parties were made to treat their own friends, siblings and spouses like sworn enemies. Businesses of members of opposition were grounded. Government officials and appointees were not allowed to patronize or seen around the business premises of perceived opponents.
But today, it is very difficult to differentiate members of various political parties in Bayelsa state. Bayelsans no longer talk about political party differences. They see themselves first as Bayelsans and are working together for the peace, unity, growth and development of the state.
Again, there is no unnecessary rivalry between the Governor and his people who have federal appointments. Before now, there were always political battles between state and federal people.
The positive disposition of the Miracle and Prosperity Governor is attracting unprecedented goodwill, growth and development to our great state. For instance, Bayelsa is now among the few states that are ruling the Sports sector. Bayelsa state prides herself as one of the states with the best sports men and women in the country. The above is evidence in the number of Medals and Trophies that they are winning and the great honour they are bringing to the state courtesy of the Governor who is the GAMES MASTER GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION.
The giant strides of His Excellency in the areas of Education, Health, Women and Youth Empowerments and others are legendary and highly commendable.
I am sure many Bayelsans have not known or imagined the positive impacts of some of his infrastructural signature projects like the Nembe-Brass Road, Yenagoa-Angiama-Ukubie-Otuan-Oporoma Road, the Glory Land Drive especially the ongoing Phase 3 with the Imgbi Road Bridge Interchange, the Igbogene-Bayelsa Palm Ring Road, the New Yenagoa City where the new Bayelsa State House of Assembly Quarters and Commissioner Quarters are domiciled.
Gov. Douye Diri presently holds the title of the ‘KING OF ROADS AND BRIDGES’ and I am very sure that he will be addressed as the ‘GRAND MASTER OF ROADS AND BRIDGES’ when the dream of connecting Agge by road comes to fruition.
The installation of the newly procured Gas Turbine at Elebele Town and resuscitation of the existing Imiringi Gas Turbine and the above roads and bridges including the Toru-Ebeni road, the economy of Bayelsa state will not only boom, there shall be uninterrupted electricity that shall encourage influx of people from all over the country and beyond. The Oloibiri Oil and Gas Museum and Researcher Institute and others will bring in multitudes who shall transact businesses in both local and foreign currencies.
In all, there is need to institutionalize and internalize the new political culture and worthy legacies of Gov. Douye Diri. Above all, Bayelsans must ensure that they vote a replica of Senator Douye Diri in 2027/28 and not anyone that will drag Bayelsa state and Bayelsans backward.
~ Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli
Technical Adviser to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State on Print Media & Public Affairs.
