Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing support for security agencies in the state.
According to a statement by Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary , on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Diri stated this during a meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, with security chiefs including the Commander of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral N.M. Madugu, Central Naval Command’s Rear Admiral Ahmed Gaya, and Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Tolani Alausa.
Diri pledged to provide patrol vehicles, boats, and other logistics to aid their operations.
Governor Diri emphasized the importance of protecting critical national, state, and community assets, especially oil and gas facilities, which benefit not only the federal government but also the state and local communities.
He highlighted the successful partnership between the state government and security agencies in reducing crime rates and assured continued collaboration to safeguard lives and property.
He said: “As a government, we are working round the clock with the security agencies so that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed and also ensure that national assets are safe for the benefit of the people and the government.
“Often, it is misconstrued as though these assets are only for the federal government. Rather, they are for the state, communities and the federal government. So we must work hand-in-gloves to ensure they are safe.
“Therefore, it is our responsibility to always ensure that these critical national, state and community assets are kept safe.”
In response to the Naval Command’s request, Diri announced he had signed the Certificate of Occupancy for land allocated to the Nigerian Navy in New Yenagoa City and approved a secondary school in Sagbama Local Government Area, awaiting development by naval authorities.
Rear Admiral Madugu, the new OPDS Commander, introduced himself and sought government support to protect oil and gas infrastructure and meet the presidential goal of increasing oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day.
Addressing AIG Alausa, the governor urged professionalism and repentance, recalling his role during the 2023 governorship election and stressing the importance of prioritizing the interests of Bayelsa and Rivers states.
On community disputes, Governor Diri dissolved the youth body in Famgbe community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, directing the Commissioner for Youth Development and the Police Commissioner to organize proper elections. He warned traditional rulers in conflict-prone areas, including Ogboinbiri, that failure to maintain peace would result in sanctions against both rulers and youth groups.
The governor concluded by stressing the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring security and peace across Bayelsa State.
