The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State for his “leadership qualities and good working relationship” with the government at the centre despite being in opposition.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr. Heineken Lokpobri, gave the commendation on Wednesday when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa.
This was revealed in a statement issued by Diri’s chief press secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah.
According to the statement, Lokpobiri said he was in the state to join forces with the state governor to ensure the planned nationwide protest does not get violent.
While appealing to youths from oil producing communities in the Niger Delta to jettison the protest, the oil minister thanked Diri for engaging with various socio-cultural, youth and students groups to maintain peace in the state.
He acknowledged that some of the demands of the alleged sponsors of the protest were genuine but appealed for patience to allow the government to address their concerns.
“We are here to first of all commend you for your exceptional leadership. The world is a global village and all that you are doing here is known all over.
“So I am here to extend the commendation of Mr. President for the good work you are doing.
“Bayelsa people are known for our peaceful nature. So, I want to thank you for the engagements you have done since the issue of this protest started. I am here to complement what you are doing.”
Lokpobiri further stated that he is the leader of the APC in the state being the highest ranked member of the party as Minister,
He maintained that the APC under his leadership was united unlike it was under Chief Timipre Sylva, who he, alleged, ran a “one man show.”
In his remarks, Governor Diri thanked Lokpobri for giving the state proper representation in the Federal Executive Council.
On the planned protest, the governor acknowledged the rights of the people to protest in a democracy but stressed that there must be a good reason, which he argued can be resolved through dialogue.
He said his administration deployed dialogue from the beginning and because of his performance, the people re-elected for another term.
He called on Bayelsans to come to the roundtable to resolve any grievances against government policies.
Diri again advised the people not to join the protest given that it was being orchestrated by failed politicians in the state.
He directed that there will be no public holiday in the state as all government offices, markets and businesses will open for normal daily activities.
The team, which included the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the state in the 2019 governorship poll, Chief David Lyon, and immediate past Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, was received by the governor inside the Executive Council Chambers during the state cabinet meeting.
