One Month After Commissioning, Bayelsans Question Diri Over 60MW Gas Turbine Project
By Passman Akpos
Barely one month after Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri hosted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the commissioning of the state-built 60MW gas turbine project, growing public frustration has erupted across the state as residents lament the continued absence of stable electricity.
The controversy gained fresh momentum after social media commentator Warmate Mark Imgbi, popularly known as Junior Warmate, publicly called out Governor Diri, questioning why Bayelsans are yet to enjoy the promised power supply despite the high-profile commissioning ceremony.
In a strongly worded post, Warmate stated that it had been exactly one month since President Tinubu commissioned the project, yet “Bayelsans are still without stable electricity,” sparking intense reactions from residents who expressed disappointment over what many described as another “commissioned but non-functional” government project.
Drawing comparisons with other controversial public projects, some citizens referenced the recently commissioned Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, asking whether Nigeria’s political class had turned commissioning ceremonies into mere publicity stunts rather than actual delivery of infrastructure.
Several residents mocked the situation with sarcasm, suggesting that if the turbine was truly working, there would be no need for constant reliance on generators and cooking gas. One resident joked that instead of asking about electricity, people should simply request money to refill their gas cylinders.
Others urged patience, insisting that the project may still be undergoing final technical processes and that electricity supply could improve before the end of the year. However, many were unconvinced, arguing that the expectations created during the commissioning ceremony were too high for government officials to now ask for more time.
Some critics also accused authorities of silencing questions about the project, alleging that those who demand explanations are often attacked or dismissed by political loyalists and online supporters.
Meanwhile, residents of Yenagoa have also raised concerns over continued electricity billing by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company despite what they describe as poor or non-existent power supply in many areas.
The gas turbine project was expected to significantly improve electricity generation and reduce Bayelsa’s dependence on the national grid, making the current silence around its operational status even more controversial.
As public pressure mounts, many Bayelsans are now demanding transparency from the state government, insisting that beyond ribbon-cutting ceremonies, what truly matters is seeing the lights come on.
