Governor Douye Diri announced that the state would unveil its independent power plant soon as Bayelsa State was thrown into darkness following the vandalism of power towers connecting it to the national grid.
Diri declared this on Saturday during the state’s 13th Annual Thanksgiving at the Ecumenical Centre in Yenagoa, claiming that the inhabitants were bearing the brunt of the darkness, which began roughly three months ago.
Bayelsa State has faced power issues since its gas turbines ceased running, and the government has not provided any information about the independent power project.
He, however, pledged that the electrical supply would soon be restored since the state has had to put in money to fix the power transmission infrastructure owned by the federal government.
The governor stated that attendance at the yearly ceremony was not legally binding, but many came to praise God for his generosity to the state.
Since 2012, Bayelsa State has designated November 2 as Annual Thanksgiving Day, and in this 13th edition, Diri stated that despite the issues confronting the state and Nigeria, Bayelsans have various reasons to be grateful to God.
He said this year’s celebration was exceptional because of his triumph in the previous governorship race and the numerous legal barriers he and his deputy overcame.
The governor stated that without the backing of his deputy and the people of the state, he would have struggled to attain the degree of accomplishment he has.
The governor stated that without the backing of his deputy and the people of the state, he would have struggled to attain the degree of accomplishment he has.
He also thanked God that there was no flood this year and that it was not as devastating as the one in 2022, despite conflicting predictions.
Diri, who also thanked God for the state’s current peace and security, extended gratitude to service commanders who have worked closely with his administration to maintain the calm.
He said, “November 2 was enshrined in our laws as a day of memorial under the Restoration Government of my predecessor, His Excellency Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
“I like to apologise for the darkness we have experienced in the state these past three months. It was the duty of the Transition Company of Nigeria to fix the damaged power infrastructure, but we intervened because our people were suffering.
“Anytime from now, power will be restored. But, importantly, we are in the process of having our own independent power plant.
“Let me also appreciate all the service commanders that are here to work with the government to maintain peace and security.”
