.Former VP Osinbajo louds Gov Diri on legacy projects
ELIZABETH VINCENT Elizabeth, Yenagoa
The commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, have disclosed the state’s financial inflows and expenditures for the first quarter of 2026, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance during a media briefing.
Koku-Obiyai stated that details of all revenues received and expenditures incurred between January and March 2026 have been made available for public scrutiny, describing the exercise as “transparency in practice, not just in principle.”
Providing a breakdown of the state’s finances, the Special Adviser to the governor on treasury and accounts, chief Timipre Seipulo, explained that in January 2026, total payments exceeded total receipts by ₦27.33 billion, resulting in a deficit.
However, a balance of ₦88.2 billion brought forward from the previous period covered the shortfall, leaving a closing balance of ₦60 billion for the month.
According to him, in February, the state recorded another deficit of ₦2.2 billion, as payments again which surpassed receipts.
The January closing balance of ₦60 billion absorbed this deficit, resulting in a carried-forward balance of ₦58,648,646,137.87.
Similarly, in March, total payments exceeded receipts by ₦1.82 billion, the February balance of ₦58,648,646,137.87 covered the deficit, leaving a closing balance of ₦56,825,657,803.86 to be carried into April.
Koku-Obiyai noted that development projects across critical sectors of the state’s economy are progressing steadily and will be delivered on schedule,she attributed this to prudent resource management under the State Governor, Douye Diri, whom she said remains committed to deploying public office for service and the overall wellbeing of citizens.
According to her, the ongoing execution of legacy projects across the state reflects effective management of public resources.
She highlighted the recent commissioning of major infrastructure by President Bola Tinubu, including the dualised new Yenagoa city road linking the airport route, the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road, and a 60-megawatt gas turbine plant.
She further disclosed that former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo is expected to commission additional projects, including the Agbura oxbow lake road and a referral hospital in Oporoma, while several others are awaiting commissioning.
The commissioner added that more projects are ongoing across the three senatorial districts, including a FIFA-standard stadium in Igbogene and a nine-storey secretariat complex,reiterating the administration’s commitment to completion, Koku-Obiyai assured that no ongoing project would be abandoned, stressing that governor Diri’s resolve is to “finish strong” before the end of his tenure.
On power supply, she acknowledged public expectations regarding the 60-megawatt gas turbine project, assuring that work is progressing steadily,she explained that the facility will become fully operational once all safety installations are completed, emphasizing that safety will not be sacrificed for speed.
She called for continued public support, urging residents to remain law-abiding, trust constituted authorities, and take ownership of projects within their communities.
On debt obligations, the state Accountant-General, Ms. Tokoni Ifidi, recalled that during the 2016 economic downturn, when the state struggled to pay salaries, the federal government introduced relief measures for states’ financial obligations.
She explained that Bayelsa opted for a 10-year loan restructuring plan instead of a longer tenure to reduce overall interest costs, despite higher monthly repayments,according to her, the decision has proven beneficial, as the state has now fully liquidated the obligation.
She added that the improved financial position underscores the administration’s disciplined fiscal strategy and commitment to long-term sustainability.
.Former VP Osinbajo louds Gov Diri on legacy projects
The immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, once remarked that in politics, individuals who keep their word are exceedingly rare. According to him, this uncommon virtue is one that is abundantly exemplified by the governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Agbura, Swali road ahead of inaugurating the referral hospital in Oporoma, Osinbajo described Governor Diri as a man of admirable character.
He noted that those who have interacted closely with the governor would readily attest to his integrity, loyalty, and faithfulness, saying such qualities are reflective of a leader who remains devoted not only to friends but, more importantly, to the people he serves.
Recalling a visit nearly four years ago, Osinbajo said he had been present at the ground breaking ceremony for the Angiama–Oporoma bridge, noting at the time he admitted “harbouring doubts, having journeyed through what seemed like an endless stretch of forest.”
“Yet today, he said that skepticism has been replaced with admiration, as the once doubted bridge now stands as a testament to fulfilled promises and visionary leadership.
He further highlighted the significance of the newly commissioned road, describing it as a transformative project that opens up Agbura, Swali, and surrounding communities within Yenagoa local government area, saying the road also enhances access to key areas such as Otueke, home to the federal university, and other communities in Ogbia.
Osinbajo noted the historical importance of the region, particularly Oloibiri, where oil was first discovered in Nigeria, beyond its historical relevance he emphasized that the road connects vital government institutions, including the NCDMB towers, the federal secretariat, and the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters in Bayelsa state.
Expressing his delight, Osinbajo declared it a privilege to commission the road and offered prayers for continued progress in Bayelsa.
He expressed hope that the developments being witnessed are only the beginning of even greater achievements in the years ahead.
In his response, the State Governor, Douye Diri, warmly welcomed Osinbajo, expressing profound gratitude on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa state for his presence and enduring support.
He reflected on the symbolic significance of Osinbajo’s visit, recalling how, on February 19, 2022, the former vice president, then in office, joined in inaugurating the Angiama–Oporoma bridge project with prayers and goodwill messages.
Governor Diri noted with satisfaction that those prayers had been answered, as the bridge has since been completed and commissioned by President Bola Tinubu.
He described Osinbajo’s return to commission another landmark project the Agbura Oxbow Lake road as a powerful affirmation of friendship, continuity, and shared commitment to development.”
Earlier, the commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, provided technical details of the project.
He explained that the Agbura–oxbow lake single carriage road spans 6.72 kilometres, featuring a 7.3-metre-wide asphalt surface with dual layers of binder and wearing course, alongside 2.35-metre shoulders on both sides.
The project also includes one kilometre of drainage systems on either side in developed areas, with construction commencing on May 17, 2024.
According to him, the newly completed road, delivered by Okmas Limited, offers a shorter and more efficient route to the Swali Ultra-modern market.
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