Why No Street Parties Over Improved Power Supply In Bayelsa? — Ikuli
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – The Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has questioned the absence of public celebrations over the reported improvement in electricity supply in parts of the state.
Ikuli, who raised the issue in a statement on Saturday, September 19, 2026, asked why residents who previously devoted considerable attention to electricity shortages had not shown similar enthusiasm in acknowledging improvements following the completion of the state’s 60-megawatt gas turbine project at Elebele.
He said the question was particularly relevant because electricity had previously generated intense criticism of the state government, with some radio programmes dedicating substantial airtime to complaints over the power situation.
According to him, the situation should not be viewed only through the lens of political criticism, arguing that government should also receive commendation when it addresses problems that have affected residents for years.
The 60MW gas-fired power project at Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area, was inaugurated in April 2026 as part of efforts to improve electricity supply in Yenagoa and surrounding areas and reduce dependence on the national grid.
The project has also been supported by a gas supply arrangement involving Oando’s upstream joint venture with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited.
Ikuli said Governor Douye Diri demonstrated considerable personal commitment to the project through repeated inspections of the Elebele site during construction.
He recalled occasions when the governor inspected the project in difficult weather conditions, describing such visits as evidence of the administration’s determination to deliver the project.
He also recalled the period when the electricity crisis attracted intense public criticism, saying some commentators who had previously condemned the government over power supply had become noticeably less vocal about the improvements.
‘People Are Saving Money’
Ikuli said the reported improvement in electricity supply in some areas of Yenagoa was already having economic effects.
According to him, some residents have gone for weeks without switching on their generators because of more consistent public electricity supply.
He said the development was helping households and businesses reduce expenditure on petrol, diesel, generators, solar equipment and other alternative sources of power.
He further linked improved electricity supply with increased commercial activity and a more vibrant night economy in Yenagoa.
“12am in Yenagoa, especially during weekends, is always like 8am due to activities,” he said, describing what he considers a visible change in the city’s nighttime economy.
Ikuli also suggested that improved illumination and increased economic activity could have implications for security, claiming that incidents such as break-ins and theft had reduced in some areas.
Such claims, however, would require independent crime and economic data to establish their scale across the state.
From Criticism To Commendation
The governor’s aide said his intervention was not intended to discourage criticism of government.
Rather, he argued that criticism and commendation should coexist in a functioning democracy.
His position is that citizens and commentators should continue to question government when it fails but should equally acknowledge measurable progress when government delivers.
The debate comes as Bayelsa attempts to move from dependence on the national electricity grid towards greater local generation capacity.
The state government had earlier said the 60MW project was intended to help establish more reliable electricity supply and stimulate economic activity.
However, the project’s ultimate success will depend on sustained generation, gas availability, distribution infrastructure and the ability to deliver reliable electricity to a wider population.
