By Oyintokoni Joel , Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Executive Council on Wednesday observed a minute’s silence in honour of four of its citizens who died in the ill-fated Nigerian Air Force (NAF) plane that crashed on Monday in Ondo State.
The NAF, in a statement, said it lost 25 of its personnel in the tragic incident, including four from Bayelsa identified as Flight Lieutenant Tarila Lazarus (Southern Ijaw LGA), Sergeant Izibenikien Samuel (Yenagoa LGA), Sergeant Ebimobowei Charles Alafuka (Ekeremor LGA) and Godstime Tarabina (Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA).
Governor Douye Diri, who presided over the 198th session of the council meeting at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa, expressed grief on behalf of the government and people of the state.
Governor Diri said the state had been deeply affected by the tragedy, noting that he had earlier issued a condolence message to President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of the Air Staff and families of the victims before the identities of the victims were released.
He said as directed by the President, flags in the state are flying at half-mast, adding that the state government would liaise with relevant authorities to alleviate the pain of the victims’ families.
At the meeting, the governor also appreciated Bayelsans for their massive participation in activities marking the state’s 30th anniversary, saying the turnout demonstrated the people’s love for the state and their willingness to identify with its development.
He noted that the anniversary was not a political party event but an opportunity for Bayelsans to reflect on the state’s journey, assess its present position and project its future.
He particularly thanked the committee led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Pereotubo Akpe, government officials, citizens, diplomats, federal agencies and other guests who contributed to the success of the celebration.
Diri urged Bayelsans to preserve the spirit of love, unity and oneness demonstrated during the anniversary, stressing that a state could only achieve greater development when its people work together.
On the political season, Diri called on politicians and their supporters to conduct issue-based and civil campaigns rather than resorting to insults, character assassination and inflammatory language.
He also urged political actors to campaign on their records, policies and what they intend to achieve for the people, emphasising that political differences should not destroy the bonds that exist among the people.
“Politics will come and go, but we will still remain the same brothers and sisters. Our communities will not be taken away because of APC, PDP, Labour or other parties,” he said.
The governor also announced plans by the administration to prepare a short and long-term development plan for the state before the end of his tenure.
He said the plan would provide a framework to guide future administrations and ensure continuity in the development of the state.
“Development should not be tied to one administration, but must be approached as a collective responsibility requiring long-term planning,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Governor Diri received two awards presented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and his Trade, Industry and Investment counterpart.
The Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, presented an award from the Law Officers’ Association of Nigeria, recognising the governor for his performance in the welfare of state counsel and inducting him into the Hall of Fame of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice.
The Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Ebieri Jones, also presented an award from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which honoured Diri as MSME Development Champion and Friendly Governor following the successful hosting of the annual Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) conference in the state.
In his response, Diri said the recognition would spur his administration to do more, noting that the appreciation of stakeholders remained a motivation for the government.
