By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development and creating an enabling environment for economic growth across the state.
The governor gave the assurance at the January edition of the monthly Praise Night held at the Government House, Yenagoa.
Diri expressed confidence that the 630-metre bridge across the River Nun at Angiama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area would be completed within the first quarter of the year.
He also disclosed that work is progressing steadily on the Nembe–Brass road project, noting that while the entire stretch may not be finished this year, the first phase under his administration would reach an advanced stage that would enable commuters to connect to Brass by boat in less than 20 minutes.
On power supply, the governor said Bayelsa had achieved a major milestone with the acquisition of 60-megawatt gas turbines, describing the initiative as the first time a state government in Nigeria is procuring turbines of such capacity.
According to him, necessary structures are being put in place to ensure the power project drives industrial growth and improves the standard of living of residents.
The governor also appreciated Bayelsans, religious leaders, security agencies and sympathisers from within and outside the state for their support and solidarity during the burial of his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Diri stated that there was no personal rift between him and the late deputy following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that any earlier misunderstandings had been amicably resolved.
Reflecting on his political journey, the governor said politics is dynamic and characterised by alignments and realignments, stressing that his movements across political parties over the years were based on personal conviction and the overriding interest of Bayelsa State.
He traced his political path through the National Solidarity Movement, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, before returning to the PDP and later defecting to the APC.
Diri, who was elected governor on the PDP platform in 2020 and re-elected in 2023, said he formally resigned from the party on October 15, 2025, and was received into the APC on November 3, 2025.
He noted that his return to the PDP ahead of the 2020 election was instrumental to his emergence as governor, adding that leaders must always place development above partisan considerations.
In a sermon at the event, the General Overseer of Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, urged worshippers to acknowledge God’s love and power and remain steadfast in faith.