Friday Temitope Eugenia
National News — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday called on governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to translate governance into tangible projects that directly impact the lives of Nigerians.
Tinubu made the call during his first official visit to Bayelsa State as president, where he commissioned several key infrastructure projects across the state.
The president, who arrived at the Bayelsa State International Airport, was received by Governor Douye Diri and former President Goodluck Jonathan before proceeding to inaugurate major projects including the New Yenagoa City Road 1 linking the Bayelsa International Airport, the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, the 60-megawatt Independent Power Project, and a section of the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, Tinubu praised Governor Diri for his development strides and pledged continued federal support for the state.
The president described the commissioned projects as transformative, noting that they would create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the living standards of residents.
“You have done a great job. I have commissioned very transformative projects creating opportunities, jobs, and hope for our nation. Thank you for your commitment and for being a very progressive governor,” Tinubu said.
He emphasized that governance must translate into visible infrastructure such as roads, bridges, electricity, and job opportunities, stressing that such projects are the true dividends of democracy.
“In our party, APC, we believe that the people deserve to see governance translated into roads, bridges, power, jobs and real opportunities that affect human beings,” he stated.
Tinubu also highlighted the importance of power supply to industrialization, describing the 60-megawatt Independent Power Project as a major step toward economic growth and development in Bayelsa State.
“There can be no industrialization and skill development without power. The IPP is a blessing, and I assure Nigerians that we will continue to work to provide electricity to power our growth,” he added.
The president further assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to strengthen security, promising improved training and support for the armed forces to defeat terrorism and banditry.
Governor Douye Diri, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for granting waivers for the importation of turbines and related equipment for the 60-megawatt Independent Power Project.
Diri also commended the president for approving the second phase of the Nembe-Brass Road and appealed for similar federal support for the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Koluama and Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge roads.
The governor further urged the Federal Government to reimburse the state for sections of federal roads already completed by the Bayelsa State Government.
He described the collaboration between Bayelsa State and the Federal Government as a strong partnership built on shared development goals.
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Nimibofa Ayawei, welcomed President Tinubu and his delegation, describing Bayelsa State as “the goose that lays the golden egg.”
Meanwhile, three persons were feared dead after a vehicle in the presidential convoy reportedly lost control and crashed into makeshift structures near the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Bridge at Obogoro while returning from the commissioning of the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Musa Mohammed, said he could not confirm the incident when contacted.
