Dear Governor Douye Diri,
I write to you with a deep sense of concern, as Bayelsa State, once known as the Glory of All Lands, has now been living in prolonged darkness. For almost two months, Bayelsans have suffered from a devastating power outage caused by the vandalization of two 132kV transmission lines that supply electricity from Owerri in Imo State through Ahoada in Rivers State. While efforts may be underway to restore power, the truth remains that the people of Bayelsa have been left in an unbearable situation. As their governor, it is your responsibility to ensure that the needs of the people are met, especially in critical areas like electricity.
Your Excellency, Bayelsa—the glory of all lands—is now living in darkness. This situation is not just a temporary inconvenience, but a symbol of the neglect and mismanagement that has turned one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich states into a place where basic amenities like electricity are unattainable. The people of Bayelsa are growing weary of excuses. Your administration, despite its efforts to exonerate itself from this catastrophe, cannot evade the fact that you have a duty to ensure that those who voted you into office live comfortably and with dignity.
It is shameful that in a state blessed with abundant natural resources, particularly oil and gas, citizens are forced to rely on churches to charge their phones, as churches are now running their generators to provide even the most basic form of electricity. Bayelsans are scouring for power every day, while their businesses crumble due to the lack of electricity. Small businesses, which depend on consistent power supply, are shutting down. Even larger businesses are pulling out of the state due to the operational nightmare that the power crisis has caused. How long can we continue this way?
Governor Diri, this power outage is not just an inconvenience; it is a crisis. Bayelsa’s economy is at stake, and the livelihood of its people is hanging by a thread. Businesses are relocating to more stable states, job losses are on the rise, and the basic quality of life in Bayelsa is rapidly deteriorating. Bayelsa is on the verge of economic collapse, and this is not the future the people envisioned when they entrusted you with their votes.
It is time to take decisive action. I call on you to declare a state of emergency on the electricity situation in Bayelsa State. Bayelsa deserves more than excuses and passing the blame. You have the resources, influence, and the obligation to restore electricity to the state. Work with the relevant stakeholders and agencies to repair the vandalized lines, but beyond that, Bayelsa needs long-term solutions to prevent this from happening again. With the wealth of the state, there should be no reason why Bayelsans should continue to live in darkness.
Your Excellency, this is a test of leadership. The people of Bayelsa are watching and waiting for you to act. As governor, it is your duty to ensure the well-being of the people you serve. The current situation is unsustainable, and the people will not tolerate being kept in the dark—literally and figuratively—any longer. Take action now to restore electricity to Bayelsa, or risk the collapse of the very economy and society that you have been entrusted to lead.
This is not the dream of Bayelsa. The people want to believe in your leadership, but the time for talk is over—it is time for action. Bayelsa deserves better. The people of Bayelsa demand better.
Sincerely,
Jacob Brakere Abai
Publisher, GbaramatuVoice International
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