Governor Diri Vows to Respect Fundamental Rights, Cautions Against Breach of Peace

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reiterated his government’s commitment to upholding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as upholding the basic rights of the people, such as the right to hold rallies.

However, he was swift to point out that his government would not do so at the expense of the current peace and tranquility in the state.

During the 158th state executive council meeting in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Governor Diri said while his government would never prevent any group of people from organizing rallies, it would not be prudent to do so now when Rivers State, which is their neighbor, is facing political turmoil. He noted that the two states are closely interlinked and whatever is happening in Rivers always has a ripple effect in Bayelsa.

The governor’s statement comes in the wake of plans by the New Associate group of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to hold a mega rally in Yenagoa, which the governor has refused to approve. Diri maintained that his action was not intended to stifle freedom of expression, but to provide law and order in the state.

“We cherish and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we respect every section of it,” Governor Diri said. “But as chief security officer of the state, I have the responsibility to ensure that the peace and security of our state are not threatened. We are still not in times of politics, and I won’t allow any person to destabilize the peace and security of this state.”

The governor observed that such rallies ought to be accorded due protocol, referencing the visit of the wife of the President, Remi Tinubu, who had been made to advise the state government of her presence in the state on Thursday to receive an invitation from the Niger Delta Development Commission. The people of the state were invited to turn out en masse to receive the First Lady to a hearty welcome.

The governor’s statement is aimed at solidifying his administration’s resolve to balance the freedom of expression with the need for the maintenance of peace and stability in the state. In its quest to find meaning in regional politics, the diplomatic approach of the governor is trying not to cause any form of disturbance that could undermine the peace and harmony of Bayelsa State.