Douye Diri Empathizes With Bayelsans Over The Power Situation in the State
It is no longer news that Bayelsa state has been in darkness for some weeks. The above development is affecting all Bayelsans and other residents directly and indirectly.
Beside the big challenges that it poses to small businesses, it has put unprecedented financial pressure on the people.
Bayelsans spend so much on fuel and others which has directly led to hike in prices of goods and services.
As a grassroot and people and development-oriented leader, Gov. Douye Diri the Architect of the New Bayelsa State is working round the clock to resolve the power situation. He is also making efforts to have alternative power sources especially now that Power has been designated in the Concurrent List of the 1999 Constitution As Amended, thereby giving power to state governments to generate and also distribute power.
It is common knowledge that the electricity problem is not the making of the Governor. Some criminals vandalized the Transmission Tower Line between Ahoada-Yenagoa along the East-West Road. In the process, the criminals who have been arrested stole Floor Core Armoured Cables, SLPE Cables, Electrical Pot Installator, KV Poles, Recline Cables, Earth Cables, Bee Copper and other facilities.
Even though the vandalized facilities belong to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Gov. Douye Diri has not rested because of the overwhelming negative impacts on the state that is the worst hit.
Few weeks ago, we watched on national news how the Commissioner of Information, Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai and Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, the General Manager of Bayelsa State Electricity Company were trekking a very long distance under heavy rain in the bush along the Ahoada-Yenagoa Transmission Line that were vandalized.
They had to take unimaginable risk just to see that the issue is resolved and power is restored to the state.
Three weeks ago, one of the Engineers that are working on the Tower, fell from that height and died instantly. Another Engineer that fell survived but has serious spinal cord injury and was immediately flown to Abuja for better medical attention.
Gov. Douye Diri that is a leader that is not alienated from the people is extremely worried. His pressure forced the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to run to the state.
No leader with a compassionate heart like Gov. Diri can be happy when his people are going through excruciating pains that is worsened by the prevalent economic realities in the country.
As a great people, it is our collective duty to work with His Excellency and the Prosperity administration to succeed.
Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli is the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Print Media (Public Affairs)
