The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, has commended Governor Senator Douye Diri for the appointment of Dr. Peter Akpe as the new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and for sustained efforts on critical infrastructure projects across the state.
In a communique issued at the end of its State Congress held on Thursday, presided over by the State Council Chairman, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, the union described Dr. Akpe’s appointment as a welcome development, noting his impressive track record in public service.
The congress urged the new Deputy Governor to bring his wealth of experience to bear in supporting the Governor and the Prosperity Administration to deliver good governance and meaningful dividends to the people.
The council also congratulated one of its members, Mrs. Josephine Ketebu-Thompson, on her appointment as Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State Civil Service. It encouraged her to use the new position to strengthen the state civil service and contribute to the growth of the journalism profession.
On infrastructure, the NUJ praised the state government for ongoing road projects in Yenagoa but expressed concern over the deplorable condition of several internal link roads in the capital.
The congress called for greater investment in the maintenance and rehabilitation of these roads to improve mobility and safety.
The union commended the progress recorded on the Nembe-Brass road project, particularly the state government’s section, and appealed for more effort to ensure timely completion of its mileage.
It expressed deep worry that the Federal Government is yet to mobilise to site for its own phase of the joint project and urged federal authorities to commence work without further delay to complement the state’s efforts.
The congress observed with dismay the persistent erratic power supply from the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) and pressed the state government to expedite completion of its independent power project.
It stressed that stable electricity is essential to boost socioeconomic activities and improve quality of life in Bayelsa.
The NUJ applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the transformative “Operation Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative that has seen the installation of solar-powered street lights across the state.
Kano to open 30 learning centres for out-of-school children
However, it drew attention to the deteriorating condition of some of the newly installed lights and called on the NDDC to establish a proper maintenance mechanism to sustain the infrastructure.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the council urged politicians to play by the rules and called on security agencies to intensify protection of lives and property in the face of recent cult-related incidents in parts of the state.
The congress commended Governor Diri for the demolition of shanties at Yenizuegene, popularly known as “Aboki Quarters,” in Yenagoa, describing the action as a positive step against illicit drug peddling and crime-prone areas.
It urged the government to ensure thorough clean-up of the site and to target similar black spots across the metropolis.
The NUJ commiserated with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Bayelsa State Government, and the Otuan community over the tragic death of Mrs. Dianga Alakembi in a tipper truck accident along Oxbow Lake Road.
It appealed to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant authorities to strictly enforce speed limit regulations, especially for heavy-duty vehicles, to prevent future loss of lives.
The council appreciated the ongoing construction of a bridge at the Imgbi road junction and other critical infrastructure projects in Yenagoa and across the state. It, however, called for the building of additional bridges across the Epie Creek to accelerate development in the state capital and surrounding areas.
Congress emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among security formations, civil society organisations, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the NUJ to ensure peaceful, credible, and hitch-free general elections in 2027.
, Bayelsa State Council, has commended Governor Senator Douye Diri for the appointment...){kind=link}