The Bayelsa State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has showered commendations on Governor Douye Diri for what it described as unmatched strides in infrastructure, social services, education, and health. The council, however, appealed to the governor to do more in the provision of potable drinking water and affordable housing for citizens.
In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Hon. Simeon Imomotimi, and Secretary, Pastor Peace Oruama, IPAC issued the commendation as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary and Bayelsa’s 29th state creation anniversary. The council noted that since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Governor Diri “stands tall and unmatched” among those who have governed the state.
IPAC hailed the governor’s landmark achievements in road construction, listing key projects such as Glory Drive Phases 2 and 3, the bridge at Imgbi Junction, the Yenagoa City/Airport Road, and the completion of the AIT/Igbogene Outer Ring Road. Others include the Onuebum/Otuovke Road, the expansion of the Etegwe/Amassoma Road, Prosco Road, and the ongoing Ogu/Akaba/Okodi Road.
The council particularly lauded the completion and extension of the three senatorial roads — the Ekeremor/Agge, Nembe/Brass, and Angiama/Oporoma Roads — describing them as Governor Diri’s most remarkable infrastructural accomplishments. The Angiama Bridge, which links several Southern Ijaw communities, was singled out as a transformative project nearing completion.
On social services, IPAC highlighted the governor’s investment in the ultra-modern gas turbine at Elebele, reforms in the local government system that cleared gratuity and pension arrears, and similar interventions at the state level.
The council also praised the upliftment of education through the employment of young Bayelsa graduates as teachers, upgrading of school facilities, establishment of technical colleges, and the accreditation of new courses in higher institutions.
In health, IPAC commended the establishment of primary health centres in every ward, the building of referral hospitals across the local governments, and the deployment of doctors to rural areas to strengthen healthcare delivery.
The statement further applauded Governor Diri’s investment in sports, particularly the construction of an Olympic-standard stadium in Igbogene, which it said has put Bayelsa on the national sports map. The provision of vehicles to ease transportation for citizens was also acknowledged as a positive step.
Despite the progress, IPAC urged the governor to intensify efforts in the provision of potable drinking water for residents in Yenagoa and local government headquarters. It also called for the construction of low-cost housing units to address the challenges of rapid urban and rural population growth.
“Like Oliver Twist, we appeal to His Excellency to do more,” the statement said, assuring the governor of the council’s full cooperation to turn Bayelsa into what it described as an “Eldorado of development.”
The statement ended with goodwill wishes to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bayelsa State, and IPAC on the double celebration of independence and statehood anniversaries.