Diri hints on inclusion of opposition party members in cabinet
…Assures of running an all inclusive administration
By Bassey Williams, Yenagoa
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has hinted on the possibility of members of opposition parties being members of his cabinet.
Diri, alongside his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, were re-elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 11, 2023 governorship poll and were sworn in for a second term on February 14, 2024.
Speaking after the weekly five-kilometre Prosperity Walk, which terminated at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, the Governor said he would consult widely and ensure he picks his cabinet members from across political parties in the state in order to form an inclusive government.
Gov. Diri was quoted as saying: “l want to assure you that we will not take long in bringing our cabinet back because we are not going to create human beings from heaven. It is still the same Bayelsa people that will form my cabinet and we know ourselves.
“We will consult widely and take every segment of society and all the interests into consideration. The November 11 election was not only for my Peoples Democratic Party. It was also about the All Progressives Congress and even Labour Party members. So, do not be surprised when you see some names from such parties because everyone participated in the election.”
The sports-loving governor also affirmed that during his second term, a befitting stadium will be built as part of efforts to encourage the youths to engage in sporting activities as well as to enable the state host national and international competitions.
“Bayelsa is a sporting state and that is why in our second tenure, we have resolved to build a new befitting stadium. The idea is to encourage the youths so that we will be able to host both national and international competitions.”
On the state’s football clubs, Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens, Senator Diri commended them for their performances in the Nigerian Professional Football League and the Nigerian Women Professional League respectively and urged them to work hard to continue to make the state proud.
According to him, “The Prosperity Government worked hard to ensure Bayelsa United was promoted to the premier league and they need to stay there and continue to make the state proud.”
Diri assured that the Prosperity Walk will be sustained and implored government officials, civil servants and people of the state to participate in order to promote healthy living.
