Diri Says Bayelsa Power Project On Track, Dismisses Failure Claims

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said the state’s independent power project is progressing as planned, dismissing claims suggesting that it had failed.

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The project includes a 60MW gas-fired turbine plant initiated by the Diri administration to ensure 24-hour electricity supply in the state. It was among the projects commissioned on April 10, 2026, by President Bola Tinubu.

However, the governor explained that the facility is still undergoing final stages of installation, including the deployment of critical components meant to protect the turbines and safeguard the state’s investment in the power sector.

A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said Diri made the clarification on Thursday during the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, while also appealing for patience from residents.

Reassuring the public, Senator Diri said the remaining work would soon be completed, while also criticising those he accused of politicising the project.

He said, “We know that the people of Bayelsa will never forget the gas turbine project. But some of our people are talking about time and darkness. There is nothing like darkness. Those who want to play politics can do so, but we will do what we know is right for our state and our people.

“As a government, we want our people to be free from darkness. So, what you are seeing are the final finishing touches after the commissioning. Certain protective devices must be installed on the turbines so that when they begin operation, they will not be affected.

“Once the protective devices are fully installed, the turbines will come on, to the shame of those who want darkness and did not want the turbines at all.

“From the beginning, they said we would fail. Now we have surprised them, and they are not happy.”

The governor also took aim at political leaders he described as “political fathers” who, according to him, hinder the growth of their successors.

He argued that such behaviour was inappropriate and urged leaders to act with restraint, noting that their conduct influences their followers.

According to Diri, true leadership requires encouraging successors to surpass their predecessors.

“A good father prays for his child to succeed more than him. So every political father should pray for his successors to do better than him. A father who prays for his son not to do better than him is a bad father.”

He also announced that former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is expected to visit Bayelsa State on Monday, April 20, 2026, to commission the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road.

Diri added that the former vice president, who earlier performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Angiama–Oporoma Bridge, would also inspect the project after its commissioning by President Tinubu.