Nationwide protest: Dialogue remains best option, says Diri

•Fubara charges CTC chairmen on prioritising grassroots empowerment

Governor of Bayelsa State, DouyeDiri, has advocated dialogue as the best option to address issues rather than resorting to protest or violence.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor stated that Bayelsa remains largely peaceful and secure because of the resolve of Bayelsans, particularly the youths, to key into the peaceful disposition of his administration.

While reiterating that protest is the constitutional right of every citizen, he, however, applauded the people of the state for maintaining peace, law and order, saying no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour and violence.

He said: “Before August 1, l engaged with the youths, religious bodies and other stakeholders and maintained that dialogue was the best approach because we envisaged that the protest could be hijacked by persons that do not mean well for our state.

“From day one of the #EndBadGovernance protest till today, there has been no real protest in the state. I thank our elders, parents, religious leaders and our productive youths for listening to the voice of reason and for sustaining the peace that we all are enjoying. The protest in Bayelsa is dead.

“The number one agenda of our administration is peace. There was too much hatred in the polity. When we came on board, we first of all set out to unite our people. Today, l am happy to announce that Bayelsans are united more than ever before.”

According to the governor, his administration has been responsive to the needs of the people by adopting a bottom-top approach.

“There is peace in the political terrain of Bayelsa because leaders of the two major political parties can eat together today. We also have some of them as members of my executive council,” Diri added.

MEANWHILE, the Rivers State Governor, SiminalayiFubara, has issued a stern warning to Caretaker Committee Chairmen in the state, telling them to prioritise the empowerment and welfare of their people or face removal from office.

Represented by the Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, at the Ikwerre Local Council during the N60 million Cash Empowerment Programme and the sharing of President Bola Tinubu’s palliatives in Aluu, the Governor emphasised that the primary duty of local officials is to serve the people.

Fubara made it clear that any Chairman found underperforming or neglecting their duties to the people will be sacked.

Giving the warning, which signals a tough stance on accountability and a commitment to people-centric governance in the state, the governor commended the leadership of Ikwerre Council for its unity and support, which has led to development in the area.