The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has sent a list of 14 individuals for approval as commissioners to the state’s House of Assembly.
He sent the names in a formal letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, News About Nigeria reports.
In the letter, Governor Diri cited Section 192 of the Nigerian Constitution as the basis for presenting the nominees.
Among the candidates are eight former commissioners who served in Diri’s first term. Notable among them are Dambo Biriyai, SAN; Maxwell Ebibai; Moses Teibowei; and Daniel Igali.
The others on the list are Mrs. Koku Obiyai, Komuko Akari, Perepuighe Biewari, Peter Afagha, Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei, and Michael Magbisa.
Douye Diri won the governorship election in November 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He got 175,196 votes, defeating Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who got 110,108 votes.
Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, took their oath of office administered by the State Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, on February 14, 2024.
On Wednesday, during a gathering at the Government House in Yenagoa where he hosted the Muslim community in the state to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, Governor Diri reiterated his administration’s dedication to ensuring peace and unity among all religious groups in Bayelsa State.
He expressed gratitude to the Muslim community for their support during his reelection and praised their adherence to the law.
Diri announced plans for inter-faith discussions to enhance religious understanding and cooperation. Additionally, he promised to create an enabling environment for legitimate businesses to flourish within the state.
He said, “I thank the Muslim community for their support during last November’s governorship election. It is an indication that you are part of the government and we will continue to create the right atmosphere for peaceful co-existence and for your businesses to thrive so far as they are legitimate.”
