The Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, announced that the government will cover the medical expenses of the victims of last Thursday’s boat mishap in Okoroma community, Nembe Local Government Area. Speaking during the Easter Sunday service at the King of Glory Chapel in Government House, Yenagoa, Diri directed the Commissioner for Health to ensure that the state pays the hospital bills of those hospitalized and to refund survivors for any treatment costs they have already incurred. He expressed sympathy for the families who lost loved ones in the accident, which authorities say was caused by overloading, and noted that about five bodies have been recovered from the river.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Diri also instructed all relevant transport authorities—especially those overseeing waterways—to strictly enforce safety measures to prevent future incidents. He warned that his administration will not hesitate to sanction anyone found neglecting their duties, emphasizing that avoidable accidents will no longer be tolerated.
Addressing the April 15 rerun elections for the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency and Ogbia Constituency 2, the governor called for a peaceful exercise and urged that the circumstances leading to the supplementary ballot be avoided. He appealed to politicians to view politics as a means of serving the people, rather than engaging in actions that diminish the value of citizens’ lives. Diri also encouraged politicians and their supporters to unite after the general election, stressing that Bayelsa can only progress through unity and mutual respect.
Concluding his remarks, Diri said, “My message is very clear. We have seen the resurrection and its power. Whatever was dead in our lives, the power of resurrection will affect it. As Ijaw people, we live by the truth and we will indeed be set free. Elections have come and gone. Whatever our differences were, let us put them aside. It is time for reconciliation. The power of government is to do good, to be compassionate, to bring development and ensure peace.”
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