Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has urged politicians and their supporters to focus on issues, policies and their records during campaigns rather than resorting to insults, character assassination and inflammatory rhetoric.
Diri made the call while presiding over the 198th session of the State Executive Council meeting at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa.
He stressed that political differences should not undermine the relationships among Bayelsans.
“Politics will come and go, but we will still remain the same brothers and sisters. Our communities will not be taken away because of APC, PDP, Labour or other parties.”
The council also observed a minute’s silence for four Bayelsans who died in the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) plane crash in Ondo State on Monday.
The NAF said 25 personnel died in the crash, including Flight Lieutenant Tarila Lazarus of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area; Sergeant Izibenikien Samuel of Yenagoa; Sergeant Ebimobowei Charles Alafuka of Ekeremor; and Godstime Tarabina of Kolokuma/Opokuma.
Diri said the tragedy had deeply affected the state, adding that he had earlier sent condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of the Air Staff and the victims’ families before the identities of the Bayelsan casualties were released.
He said flags across the state were flying at half-mast in line with the President’s directive, while the state government would work with relevant authorities to support the victims’ families.
The governor also commended Bayelsans for their participation in activities marking the state’s 30th anniversary, saying the turnout reflected their commitment to the state.
Diri said the anniversary was not a political event but an opportunity to reflect on Bayelsa’s journey, assess its present position and plan for its future.
He thanked the anniversary committee led by Deputy Governor Dr Peter Akpe, government officials, citizens, diplomats, federal agencies and other stakeholders who contributed to the celebrations.
Diri urged Bayelsans to sustain the spirit of unity demonstrated during the anniversary and announced plans to develop short- and long-term development plans before the end of his tenure.
He said the plans would provide a framework for future administrations and promote continuity, stressing that development should be treated as a collective responsibility rather than the project of a single administration.
