By Nathan Nwakamma
A support group in the Bayelsa chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Yes Diri, says it has commenced activities to drum up support for Gov. Douye Diri’s re-election ahead of the Nov. 11 governorship poll in the state.
Speaking at a news conference to showcase the activities of the group, Dr Gente Emelah, its Director General, noted that ‘Yes Diri’ is open to lovers of good governance and development personified by Gov. Diri.
He said that the group, which draws membership from some serving members of the cabinet and private individuals, is funded by voluntary donations from members.
He explained that the campaign Secretariat, scheduled for inauguration on Thursday, would coordinate activities of the group from the eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
He said mobilising the electorates for Diri’s re-election has been made easy following the numerous developmental projects across the sectors.
“Our principal, Gov. Douye Diri, has made so much impact in the three senatorial districts, especially on roads connecting rural communities that were hitherto not accessible by road.
“He has also ensured peace and security across the state and laid a solid foundation for industrialisation of the state in the next four years.
“In the educational sector, the government has introduced technology into teaching at the primary schools, and we are concluding arrangements with Microsoft for technology driven learning in our secondary schools.
“At the tertiary level, all the courses at all our institutions now have full accreditation and that was made possible by the current administration. These make Diri so easy to market,” Emelah said.
Emelah also explained that the group would not fizzle out after the elections as there are plans to continue to promote Diri’s political ideals of peace and love in politic by the “Yes Diri” group.
According to him, the group is putting together a book on Diri’s first four years in governance to contribute to knowledge in the field of politics.
Other leaders of the support group include Chief Esau Andrew, the state Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chief Ekisah Sinkumo, the Commissioner for Special Projects, Chief Iti Irugbani, the Commissioner for Tourism and Hospitality.
Others are Mr Ebitei Tonyon, the Commissioner for Power, Chief Mizodome Ibu, Caretaker Chairman Ogbia Local Government Area, Kate Ebisoru, Caretaker Vice Chairman, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr Godwin Worukumo, the Commissioner, Assembly Service Commission, and Dr. Ifeanyi Otodo, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Student Affairs. (NAN)
