Niger Delta
Bayelsa To Investigate Palliatives Diversion
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered investigation into the distribution of palliatives with a view to bringing to book culprits who diverted food items.
Governor Diri gave the directive during the state’s executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, following complaints that some individuals diverted items meant for each ward in the state.
The state government had procured more food items in addition to the five trucks of rice allotted to each state by the federal government as part of the measures to cushion the effect of the removal of petrol subsidy on people of the state.
Each ward was allocated at least 150 bags of rice apart from maize.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor condemned the action of those who reportedly diverted palliatives entrusted to them for distribution in the 105 wards across the state.
He directed the Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei the Coordinator of the state Community Safety Corps, Brig-General Eric Angaye (retd) and the Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Peter Akpe, to work with relevant bodies to identify those culpable.
He urged politicians to be selfless in their conduct and not withhold what is meant for people at the grassroots.
He equally thanked members of his cabinet for working hard to achieve victory during the November 11 governorship poll in the state, saying that they collectively won the election.
The governor appreciated Bayelsans for their support and show of love during the election, and promised that his administration would work hard to improve the condition of the State.
His words: “Comcerning the palliatives that I directed should be shared, I received reports that some greedy politicians converted some of them to their use.
“I have asked for an immediate investigation and anyone found wanting will face the wrath of the law, particularly those that are appointees. You were asked to share 150 bags of rice, you went with 80 or 100 bags to your people in the wards and villages. You cheat on your people.
“The SSG, Coordinator of the Community Safety Corps and the Chief of Staff should investigate through BYSEMA (Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency) those who were in position to distribute the palliatives to stakeholders in the wards and local government areas.
“Confirm how many bags got to each ward and how they were distributed. Not only rice, we also distributed maize. I heard that some were sold.
“I want to have that report. Work through all the commissioners, members of the House of Assembly and leaders. All of those involved will be brought to book.
“We must work assiduously not to disappoint our people. God has placed this assignment on our hands. Let us not be greedy. Whatever that should be given to the people, you must make sure it gets to them.”
The Bayelsa helmsman also called on the opposition in the state to concede defeat over the last election, noting that he won legitimately and would defend his victory confidently having won the hearts of Bayelsans through the various policies of his administration.
Diri equally warned troublemakers to toe the path of peace, saying his administration would not condone acts of terrorism and intimidation in the state.
He said: “Our victory across all the wards are through legitimate votes. We never indulged in electoral fraud that others perpetrated. If they say they are going to court, they are free. We will emphatically state our victory in court.
“I advise them to allow the sleeping dog to lie. It is all over. They know what they did. If they can question what happened in my village, we will open the books for them. Let them open what happened in their villages as well.
“This is our state. We have come of age. You cannot terrorise anybody in this state. Non-state actors will not be allowed to intimidate and terrorise state actors.
“The strategy to win election is not to go for guns. But it is to appeal to our people if you want to lead them.”
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.