Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has advised political aspirants in the state to pursue their ambitions strictly within the bounds of the law as activities heighten ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also cautioned against political excesses, stressing that politics should remain a platform for public service rather than personal gain or self-promotion.Diri gave the advice during the weekly State Executive Council meeting held at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa, according to a statement released on the state government’s official page.
He assured that no aspirant would be unfairly excluded from the political process. However, he urged stakeholders to respect existing arrangements, including zoning principles where they apply.
He also referenced directives within the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that where consensus could not be reached, the party would resort to direct primaries.
The governor said the political atmosphere in the state remained relatively open, adding that participation had not been forced on anyone.
On zoning, he explained that consultations had been held with some aspirants, with advice that incumbents who had served only one term in certain positions should be allowed to complete their tenure, unless otherwise decided collectively.
He reiterated that where consensus fails, the APC guideline provides for direct primaries.
Diri called on all politicians to exercise restraint, abide by established rules, and conduct their campaigns within the limits of the law.
During the meeting, several awards received by the state in different sectors were formally presented to the governor.
The Commissioner for Health, Seiyefa Brisibe, presented an award recognising Diri’s exceptional leadership and contribution to healthcare development, public service delivery, and human capital advancement.
The recognition came from nurses across Commonwealth countries.Brisibe said the award reflected the state’s progress in the health sector, including the upgrade of the School of Nursing Sciences to a College of Nursing Sciences and the completion of a 250-capacity ICT centre at the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Tombia.
He also highlighted the recruitment of 200 midwives and nurses into the primary healthcare system, alongside improved welfare and professional development support for health workers.
He added that the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, also honoured the governor for his leadership and long-standing contributions to healthcare development, including his period of service as a federal legislator.
The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Faith Izibenua-Zibs, also presented an Appreciation of Service Award to the governor.
The recognition acknowledged his role in establishing Nigeria’s first subnational Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, conferred by the Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management.
In addition, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, presented an Environmental Rights Governance Award on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Human Rights Institute in partnership with Call A Lawyer.
He said the honour recognised the governor’s leadership in promoting good governance and strengthening human rights in Bayelsa State.
In his response, Diri expressed appreciation to the various organisations, noting that the awards were not for him alone but reflected the collective efforts of his administration.
