Hon. Wisdom Ikuli, Technical Adviser to Bayelsa State Governor on Media and Public Affairs, has launched a strong defense against individuals he claims are using outdated political sentiments to attack Governor Douye Diri's administration.
End of Exclusive Political Era
Ikuli revealed that before Governor Diri's prosperity administration took office, political participation and government benefits were restricted to a small group of influential actors. He emphasized that the current government has dismantled this exclusive system, creating equal access for all Bayelsans regardless of their political affiliations.
The transformation began with the inception of Senator Douye Diri's government, which fundamentally changed the political landscape. Previously, Bayelsa State had been divided into two categories: politicians who enjoyed government patronage and ordinary citizens who were mere spectators.
Transformation Under Prosperity Administration
According to Ikuli, the prosperity administration has made governance inclusive, ensuring that all Bayelsans are now critical stakeholders in the state's development. He highlighted that citizens no longer need personal connections in government to access available benefits, as opportunities are now openly available to everyone.
The governor's aide contrasted the current administration with previous governments, noting that public officers once referred to state resources as their personal property. This mentality has been replaced with transparent and accountable governance under Governor Diri's leadership.
Ikuli pointed to several key achievements:
- Transformation of Bayelsa into a massive construction site with numerous roads and bridges
- Construction of countless government buildings, health centers, and educational facilities
- Restoration of peace and unity across the state
- Implementation of effective community policing strategies
Responding to Political Detractors
The technical adviser specifically addressed critics who claim Governor Diri abandoned the PDP for APC, describing these individuals as insignificant leaders with minimal positive impact on their communities. He noted that these detractors represent less than five percent of Bayelsa's population and their main credential is their prolonged membership in a single political party.
Ikuli maintained that Bayelsans are not gullible and understand that political parties are merely vehicles for reaching development destinations. What truly matters, he emphasized, is how available opportunities are harnessed for the common good of all citizens.
The state has witnessed significant improvements in security and investment climate, with investors now relocating to Bayelsa due to the conducive business environment created by Governor Diri's administration. The state's number one citizen has worked closely with stakeholders and security agencies to make Bayelsa one of the safest states in Nigeria.
Ikuli concluded by describing Governor Diri as a God-sent leader specifically chosen to transform Bayelsa State, similar to how Senator Godswill Akpabio changed the narrative in Akwa Ibom State. He warned those conspiring to tarnish the governor's reputation to wake up to current realities, stating that Bayelsa will never again be entrusted to unserious political characters.
