Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has praised the youths of his state for their decision to abstain from the ongoing nationwide protests. While young people across Nigeria have taken to the streets under the #EndBadGovernance movement to express dissatisfaction with governance, Bayelsa youths have notably stayed away. Governor Diri attributed this to their wisdom and discernment.
The Governor’s comments were made during his weekly prosperity walk, an initiative designed to strengthen ties between the government and the public. The event started at the Bayelsa State Government House and saw Governor Diri, along with political appointees, supporters, and residents, walk through the main streets of Yenagoa, ending at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex.
During the walk, which promotes both physical fitness and political dialogue, Governor Diri addressed recent national events. He commended Bayelsa youths for heeding his call to stay away from the protests, emphasizing that their decision demonstrated a commitment to peace and stability in the state.
Governor Diri voiced concerns about the origins of the protests, suggesting they were being stirred up by political figures who lost in the 2023 governorship election. He accused these politicians of exploiting the national unrest to create chaos in Bayelsa. “These individuals do not care about the state’s welfare; they only seek to disrupt the peace and progress we’ve been working to maintain,” he stated.
At the sports complex, the event shifted to a series of light exercises, with the Governor and participants engaging in stretching and workouts, symbolizing the administration’s emphasis on promoting healthy lifestyles.
In his address, Governor Diri urged all Bayelsans to remain alert and to reject any calls to join the protests. He stressed the importance of focusing on constructive engagement and development, urging citizens to participate in legitimate activities that contribute to the state’s prosperity. “Our priority should be building our state, not undermining it through actions that lead to instability,” he said.
As the event concluded, participants expressed support for the Governor’s position, emphasizing the importance of peace and development. The day’s events highlighted a stark contrast between the peaceful atmosphere in Bayelsa and the unrest seen in other parts of Nigeria.