From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State Douye Diri has defended the relocation of the Central Park in Yenagoa, stating that it is part of his administration’s urban renewal programme aimed at transforming Yenagoa, the state capital, into a modern city.
Governor Diri made the statement in response to the recent relocation of inter-state commercial transporters to the new state-owned transport terminal at Igbogene.
Speaking on Wednesday during the state executive council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, the governor explained that centralised motor parks are features of modern cities, which Yenagoa is gradually becoming.
He warned against touting in the vicinity of the terminal, stating that all travellers were expected to go into the terminal for booking and boarding of vehicles.
Diri also emphasised that the relocation would help reduce crime, as passengers coming into the state would now be monitored.
He said, “I visited the new terminal and saw its beauty. This is what every modern society does.
“For those who play politics and are still criticising, I am very sorry for them. Bayelsans are however happy with what we have done. It is only those who do not know what a modern society looks like that make derogatory statements about me and the government.
“For the first time in our state, we are seeing what a city is like. We want to actually turn Yenagoa into a modern city. We want to bring Yenagoa to a better place. I am happy that the terminal is bubbling.
“Nobody should act like agbero (tout) in that place. That park is modern, with everything provided.
“For those who want to come into Bayelsa to commit a crime, we have stopped them with the movement to the new terminal.”
Commenting on the peaceful and crime-free Yuletide period, the Bayelsa governor commended the security agencies for their collaborative efforts, which ensured the state remained secure throughout the festive season.
He also noted a boost in tourism and entertainment during the period and particularly commended dancehall music star Enetimi Odon (popularly known as Timaya) for giving back to the state through his annual Timaya Day concert held on January 1.
Diri observed that the event attracted a large crowd, mostly youths, and that the show had great tourism potential for the state.
He stated: “In the whole of these festivities, what I consider the final lap was the January 1 Timaya Day, which had to do with the youths of our state.
“Instructively, there was no incident of crime. I was there. The youths were well-behaved and they became security by themselves.
“From what I saw, I believe there is hope for this country and our state. We all need to do what is right.”
Commenting on an ugly incident at Agbere in Sagbama Local Government Area, Diri thanked the leadership of the community for maintaining peace and refraining from taking the law into their hands.
He assured that the ongoing investigation would uncover those behind the tragic murder of a chief in the community.