Bayelsa Power Project on Track, Diri Dismisses Failure Claims, Announces Osinbajo Visit
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed that the state’s independent power initiative is on track and functioning as intended, rejecting claims circulating in some quarters that the project had stalled or failed.
The development, which includes a 60MW gas fired turbine plant designed under the Diri administration to deliver round the clock electricity across Bayelsa, was among projects inaugurated on April 10, 2026, by President Bola Tinubu.
PulseNets learnt that the governor made the clarification while addressing residents during the weekly Prosperity Walk held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, where he appealed for calm and patience over the ongoing installation phase of the project.
According to details obtained by PulseNets, Diri explained that the facility is still in its final technical stage, with critical protective systems being installed to safeguard the turbines and ensure long term efficiency of the state’s investment in the power sector.
He stressed that what is currently ongoing is not abandonment but completion work following commissioning procedures, insisting that the remaining components are essential for safe operation.
Reassuring the public, the governor dismissed criticisms of the project as politically motivated and insisted that detractors would be proven wrong once the system becomes fully operational.
He said, “We know that the people of Bayelsa will never forget the gas turbine project. But some of our people are talking about time and darkness. There is nothing like darkness. Those who want to play politics can do so, but we will do what we know is right for our state and our people.
“As a government, we want our people to be free from darkness. So, what you are seeing are the final finishing touches after the commissioning. Certain protective devices must be installed on the turbines so that when they begin operation, they will not be affected.
“Once the protective devices are fully installed, the turbines will come on, to the shame of those who want darkness and did not want the turbines at all.
“From the beginning, they said we would fail. Now we have surprised them, and they are not happy.”
The governor also addressed what he described as unhealthy political interference from senior political figures, warning that such attitudes can undermine governance continuity and development progress.
He argued that leadership should be rooted in support for successors rather than obstruction, adding that the conduct of political elders often shapes public political behaviour.
“A good father prays for his child to succeed more than him. So every political father should pray for his successors to do better than him. A father who prays for his son not to do better than him is a bad father.”
In addition, Diri announced that former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is scheduled to visit Bayelsa State on Monday, April 20, 2026, to commission the Oxbow Lake Agbura Road.
Also Read: ADC Dissolves Transition, MRMR Committees in Bayelsa, Warns Against Illegal Structures
He further noted that Osinbajo, who previously performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Angiama Oporoma Bridge, is also expected to inspect the project following its commissioning by President Tinubu.
The statement underscores the state government’s push to expand infrastructure and stabilize power supply as part of its broader development agenda.
