Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has commended the youths of his state for their decision to abstain from the ongoing nationwide protests.
While young people in various parts of Nigeria have taken to the streets to voice their discontent with governance under the #EndBadGovernance movement, Bayelsa youths have notably refrained from joining in, a move that Governor Diri attributes to their wisdom and discernment.
The Governor’s remarks came during his weekly prosperity walk, a public engagement initiative aimed at fostering closer ties between the government and the people.
The event, held on a sunny morning, commenced at the Bayelsa State Government House. It saw Governor Diri accompanied by political appointees, supporters, and local residents as they traversed the major streets of Yenagoa, ultimately reaching the Samson Siasia Sports Complex.
During the walk, which is designed to promote both physical fitness and political dialogue, the Governor took the opportunity to address recent national developments. He praised the Bayelsa youths for heeding his call to abstain from the protests, emphasizing that their choice reflected a commitment to peace and stability in the state.
Governor Diri expressed concerns over the origins of the protest activities, alleging that they were being instigated by political figures who lost in the 2023 governorship election. According to him, these politicians were leveraging the nationwide unrest to foment chaos in Bayelsa.
“These individuals do not have the welfare of the state at heart. They seek to disrupt the peace and progress we have been working hard to maintain,” Governor Diri asserted.
At the sports complex, the event transitioned into a series of physical exercises, with the Governor and participants engaging in light workouts and stretching. This segment of the walk is symbolic of the administration’s focus on promoting healthy lifestyles among residents.
In his address to the assembled crowd, Governor Diri urged all Bayelsans to remain vigilant and reject any calls to join the protests. He highlighted the state’s commitment to constructive engagement and development, urging citizens to focus on legitimate activities that contribute to the state’s prosperity. “Our focus should be on building our state, not tearing it down through actions that only lead to instability,” he said.
The Governor’s message was clear: Bayelsa State, under his leadership, prioritizes peace and orderly progress. He encouraged residents to continue their everyday activities and assured them that the government is working diligently to address any concerns they may have.
As the event concluded, participants expressed support for the Governor’s stance, echoing sentiments of peace and development. The day’s proceedings underscored a stark contrast between the atmosphere in Bayelsa and the protest seen in other parts of the country.
