The Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, has proceeded on annual leave with effect from Monday, 25th November, 2024.
The Governor, in a personally signed statement on Monday, disclosed that in his absence, the State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, would take over all official functions.
He also assured that his absence would not in any way affect governance or cause delays in the execution of all ongoing projects and programmes by various ministries, agencies and departments.
Governor Diri hinted that he had not taken a break since he was inaugurated for a second term in office in February this year.
“With effect from today, November 25, 2024, I am proceeding on my annual leave.
“It has been a very busy year for me since our inauguration for the 2nd term in February this year.
“My absence will not in anyway affect governance in the State as the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has the mandate to take charge of all state functions.
“Also, my absence shall not in anyway cause delay in the execution of all ongoing projects and programmes by various ministries, agencies and departments,” he submitted.
On the blackout in the state, caused by the damaged Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, which has lasted several months, Governor Diri said repair works are still ongoing and expressed optimism that power would soon be restored to the state.
He acknowledged the personal and economic hardships brought about by the development and appealed to the people to exercise a little more patience.
“On the prolonged blackout in the State, I am happy that our intervention in the repairs of the vandalised towers is yielding result with the completion of restringing of the damaged Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line.
“In as much as the transmission line does not belong to the Bayelsa State Government, our intervention was purely in the interest of the people.
“I understand the pains and the economic loss our people have been subjected to due to the blackout. The business owners are the worst hit!
“With the comprehensive repair works done so far, I am hopeful power will soon be restored once the recently vandalised conductor at towers 29 to 31 is replaced.
“I have also been reliably informed that both conventional and local security have been engaged at Ula Ikata and Ihuike communities in Ahoada-East LGA of Rivers State to secure the site until other repair works are completed.
“While we battle to restore public power, our government has commenced a process to develop our own Independent Power Plant through the procurement and installation of new Gas Turbines.
“We are committed to ensuring steady electricity supply in the State in line with our ASSURED Prosperity Agenda,” he said.
