“Elebele Turbines or Empty Talk? Anger Boils as Bayelsans Sweat in Darkness Months After Douye Diri’s Promise”

By Passman Akpos

Bayelsa State has once again found itself at the center of public frustration over electricity supply after a resident’s emotional complaint about prolonged darkness went viral online, reigniting debate about the government’s earlier promise of uninterrupted power.

Jennifer Ebiemi Livinus, a Bayelsa resident, stirred intense reactions after sharing her daily struggle with electricity shortages, describing how the lack of power has forced residents to adopt extreme alternatives just to carry out basic household activities.

In her words, the situation has become so dire that she now irons her clothes using gas while sweating heavily due to the intense heat.

“At this point I want to conclude that out of the 36 states, Bayelsa is the worst of them all,” she lamented. “How can a state replace NEPA light with solar lights that are only on the streets? I’m using gas to iron and sweating furiously. I can’t remember when last I saw electricity to pump water, talk more of ironing clothes.”

She also accused some landlords of constructing houses without water systems, knowing that electricity to pump water is unreliable.

“Those who even tried to provide water cannot pump it because government will not give us light,” she added in frustration.

Her remarks quickly spread across social media, resonating with many Bayelsans who say the electricity situation has not improved despite government assurances.

The complaint comes amid lingering questions surrounding a promise made by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who had earlier assured residents that the state would enjoy 24-hour uninterrupted power supply by December 2025 following the installation of 60-megawatt turbines in Elebele.

At the time, the announcement raised widespread hope that Bayelsa would finally overcome its long-standing electricity challenges.

However, months after the promised deadline, many communities say little has changed.A recent editorial by Tarakirivoice questioned the status of the Elebele power project and asked why the promise has yet to materialize.

The editorial also referenced reports alleging that ₦12.7 billion was allocated in the 2026 budget for ceremonial materials and events, including tents, stages, canopies, decorations, and official hosting across several ministries and agencies.

Critics argue that such spending contrasts sharply with the daily realities of residents who continue to live without stable electricity.

The editorial further pointed to another controversial budget detail: ₦401 million reportedly spent on international medical expenses, while only ₦5.5 million was allocated for capital projects at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital.

For many residents, the contrast has deepened frustration

Market traders say lack of electricity affects their ability to preserve goods, students complain of studying with candles or rechargeable lamps, and households struggle with basic necessities such as pumping water.

The editorial also made a direct appeal to Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging federal attention to governance and accountability issues in the oil-rich state.

Despite the growing criticism, the Bayelsa State Government has yet to issue a detailed public explanation regarding the delayed electricity promise or the current operational status of the Elebele turbines.

For residents like Livinus, however, the debate is no longer about political arguments but everyday survival.

“We are not asking for miracles,” she said. “We just want light.”

As public pressure mounts, many Bayelsans say they are waiting for one thing above all else — a clear explanation of what happened to the promised 24-hour power supply.