King Edmund Daukoru Rates Diri 80–90%, Hails Peace, Unity Bridge, Nembe-Brass Road as Bayelsa Turns 30
By Passman Akpos
The Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Daukoru, has given a strong endorsement of the leadership of Douye Diri, rating his administration between 80 and 90 percent after six years in office.
In an interview with Assured Prosperity Magazine, the 82-year-old monarch and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources said achieving such a high score in politics is rare, noting that expectations among the people remain very high.
“Politics is the most difficult subject where you can score 100 percent,” Daukoru said, adding that “a score in the range of 80 to 90 percent is already high, and I don’t say this lightly.”
Peace, Development Take Centre Stage
The revered traditional ruler pointed to sustained peace and visible infrastructure as key achievements of the Diri administration. According to him, Bayelsa has enjoyed relative calm since 2020, attributing the stability to the governor’s personal commitment to peace.
“We have had peace continuously in Bayelsa State since 2020 when this governor came into office,” he stated, emphasizing that peace remains the foundation for any meaningful development.
Daukoru further noted that the peaceful atmosphere has allowed residents to go about their daily lives without fear, describing the ability to “sleep with both eyes closed” as priceless.
Landmark Projects Transforming Nembe
Highlighting specific projects, the monarch praised the completion of the Unity Bridge linking Ogbolomabiri and Bassambiri, describing it as a major breakthrough in easing movement and strengthening community ties.
He also commended the ongoing Nembe-Brass Road project, calling it transformative for riverine communities long plagued by difficult and dangerous travel routes.
“The Nembe-Brass road project has united us as members of one kingdom,” Daukoru said, noting that what once took days through waterways can now be significantly reduced with road access.He added that the project is already improving safety by reducing reliance on river transport, which had exposed residents to risks including sea piracy.
Bayelsa at 30: From Struggles to GrowthReflecting on Bayelsa’s journey since its creation in 1996 under Sani Abacha, Daukoru described the state’s progress as remarkable.
He recalled the early challenges faced under the first civilian governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, noting that basic infrastructure such as roads and hotels were largely absent at the time.Today, he said, Bayelsa boasts improved infrastructure, educational institutions, and growing urban development, marking a significant turnaround in three decades.
“If the creation of new states is the only avenue for grassroots development, then God bless the creation of new states,” he remarked.
A Tough Standard for Successors
Looking ahead, Daukoru warned that whoever succeeds Governor Diri will face the difficult task of maintaining both the pace of development and the prevailing peace.
“In terms of physical development, so much has been achieved… it is like walking around with a checklist and ticking completed projects,” he said.
He concluded that sustaining peace would remain the most critical responsibility for future leadership, stressing that without it, progress would be impossible.
“Kudos to him,” the monarch added, in recognition of what he described as a solid record of governance.
