Pending the verdict of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja, Governor Douye Diri, and his Deputy, Lawrence Ehwrujakp, were sworn in for a second term on Wednesday, February 14, this year, amid pomp even as Bayelsans look forward to better governance.

While residents of the state seem to be pleased with Diri’s first term performance as the result of the November 11, 2023, governorship election indicated, the questions on the lips of many is whether he would sustain the tempo. Although he completed some life-changing projects that are dear to the people during his first term, many uncompleted projects initiated by his administration still litter the state. Thus, residents are concerned about whether he would be able to complete those projects and even embark on more, especially in the areas of water and power supply.

Some landmark achievements of the Diri administration in the area of road infrastructure include the construction of what he christened Three Senatorial Roads, one of which is the road to Southern Ijaw Local Council, which has progressed considerably. In Bayelsa West, the road linking Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Councils is progressing well while the new road linking Nembe Local Council with Brass Local Council is also under construction.

The governor, in his speech at his second term inauguration, said: “You will be pleased to know that we have initiated several strategic infrastructure projects within the state. Some of these landmark projects include the three senatorial roads that have opened up several riverine communities across the eight local councils of the state. I am excited about the potential of the senatorial roads in opening up extensive opportunities within our Blue Economy zone. These roads promise to unlock tremendous potential in this sector, allowing for significant economic diversification while ensuring the protection and conservation of our valuable marine resources.

“The 22.2km Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road, with a bridge constructed at Aguobiri, and which has so far reached Angiama community with work ongoing on the Angiama-Oporoma bridge across the Nun River. The 42km Sagbama-Ekeremor road has been completed with five new bridges at various points. Your government of prosperity in June 2022 flagged-off the very historic Nembe-Brass Road and commenced work on the first phase of 21 kilometres. I am happy to report that work is progressing well with sand filling now beyond 10 kilometres waiting for asphalting.”

Despite this noble accomplishment, the twin issues of power and water supply, which the governor could not fix during his first four years in office despite the abundance of natural gas and water flowing through the creeks, rivers and oceans across the state, are topmost in the expectations of the people from his administration before he leaves office in 2028.

Currently, residents of the state are at the mercy of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), as they hardly enjoy two hours of power supply in a whole week. Many observers said that the needed foreign investment would not flow into Bayelsa if the government fails to fix the power challenge. They urged the governor to follow through with his plan of putting Bayelsa on the fast plane of development by ensuring stable power supply.

An activist and public affairs commentator, Morris Alagoa, said: “Now, apart from the governor himself saying during his swearing-in that his second tenure would take actions that would diversify the economy of the state and encourage industrialisation, Bayelsans are very hopeful that his second tenure would make power generation and supply a priority. Once that is achieved, quite a lot would fall in place. ”
Alagoa noted that the first tenure of the governor wasn’t a bad outing, adding: “For taking on projects abandoned years ago by previous administrations, completing them, initiating new ones and continuing with other legacy projects started many years ago, he endeared himself to most Bayelsans, including myself. These are in the public domain, so I don’t need to mention them here.

“Bayelsans are also expecting more in the areas of security, tourism, commerce and provision of basic amenities in our communities, especially water and electricity. If ongoing roads to Brass and Oporoma- Otuan- Ondewari are completed, they will remain indelible in the minds of Bayelsans, even though promises were made to start others. The above, if pursued, will create employment too and reduce the prevailing hardship.”

To a political analyst and President, Niger Delta Nonviolence Agitators Forum (NDNAF), Wisdom Ikuli, the governor should prioritise agriculture considering the fertile land in the state.

He said: “Like other Bayelsans and critical stakeholders, I expect him to prioritise agriculture considering the fertile lands in the state. I suggest the building of Smart Palm Cities to build palm trees. It is a huge investment considering the fact that palm oil is more expensive than crude oil and gas in the local and global markets.

“The government should intensify efforts to ensure the dream of the Agge Seaport that will boost the Bayelsa economy. Ships and cargoes that go to Lagos State pass through Bayelsa waterways. Most of the importers and exporters in Lagos that send their goods to the South East would prefer to bring in their goods through Agge Seaport that is closer to their destinations than Lagos especially because of the overcrowded nature of the ports in Lagos that need decongestion.

“The government also needs to attract investors from the Scandinavian countries like Norway and Netherlands who will build fish and ceramic factories at the Brass areas. It is a known fact that Bayelsa has some of the best quality of sand for manufacture of glasses, ceramic materials and others. Bayelsa State can generate unimaginable revenue from fish, ceramic materials and palm oil. Bayelsa also boasts the best plantain and some other commodities that do not require fertilizer and other chemicals to grow or enhance them because of the fertile land.

“The government should also get concessionary companies that will canalise the Epie Creek and also build bridges across that may be tolled like the Lekki Bridge where vehicle owners shall pay tokens to recover the investment. They shall build beautiful plazas, shopping malls, public car parks, eateries and others. The government can turn the abandoned Epie Creek to one of the best tourism destinations in the country and beyond. The government should also work to complete the abandoned five star hotel by Berger Flyover.

“The government should create more employment opportunities for the youth. It should establish skill acquisition centres especially those that have to do with ICT since the sector is now the highest income generating venture globally. It should also put in place a conducive atmosphere for private businesses to thrive.”

On part, Pa Joseph Bribai, said many residents of Bayelsa could no longer afford three square meals for their families after paying for water, petrol and the ever increasing house rent.

Bribai stated that for Diri to achieve his dream of a better Bayelsa, he must light up the state and provide the basic necessities of life including water.

He urged the governor to also look at the gradual exodus of businesses from the capital city due to the epileptic power supply and high cost of rent.

Potable water has been a mirage in the state since the administration of the late Governor Diepreye Alamameiseigha, a situation which the governor acknowledged in his inaugural speech when he said: “Pivotal in our second tenure will be to address potable water distribution challenges via a comprehensive approach that focuses on efficient utilisation and equitable access to this precious utility. We will thus invest in water production and reticulation, particularly within the state capital.”

The governor also said there was the need to invest in robust infrastructure and explore diverse energy sources to ensure power supply, adding that it was a welcome development that the Federal Government has liberalised the power sector, which informed the new Bayelsa Electricity Law to enable collaborations with both public and private investors, in harnessing the potential of alternative energy solutions.

He said this will guarantee steady power supply and energise the way for economic growth and improved living standards.

The governor also reassured residents of the readiness of his government to partner with them to shape the economy of the state.

He said: “It is the strong belief of this Prosperity Government that our citizens should have a more active and direct role in shaping and participating in the economy. From small business owners and entrepreneurs to industry leaders and investors, everyone has a part to play in driving economic growth and prosperity.

“With this vision in mind, we have developed a comprehensive and ambitious 10-year economic plan for the state. This plan outlines our strategies and initiatives to diversify and strengthen our economy, create jobs, attract investments and improve the standard of living for all Bayelsans.

“To kick start the implementation of this economic plan and to engage stakeholders, we are excited to announce the upcoming Bayelsa State Economic Development Summit in Yenagoa, the state capital. This summit will serve as a platform for sharing ideas, discussing opportunities, and forging partnerships to accelerate the economic growth of our state.

“We eagerly look forward to having each and every one of you in attendance at the Bayelsa State Economic Development Summit. Together, let us shape the future of our state and unlock its full economic potential.”

Ten days after Diri delivered this speech, residents are already watching to see if he would keep to his words and meet their expectations of a better governed Bayelsa with basic amenities to enjoy and economic opportunities for all.