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Diri Donates N40m Awarded to By Supreme Court To God’s, Work

Published

5 years ago

March 1, 2020

…Says He Needs Three Months To Appoint Commissioners

Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has announced donation of the N 40 m awarded by the Supreme Court to him and his deputy , Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo , to the church to promote the work of God.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary , Mr Daniel Alabrah, while disclosing that the governor said this during a special thanksgiving service at the King of Glory Chapel , Government House, Yenagoa , on Saturday, noted that Diri also said it will take him about three months to appoint people into the state executive council.

On the N 40m donation, Diri said he took the decision to donate the money without consulting the deputy governor.

According to Punch, he assured the people that those to be appointed as commissioners would enjoy autonomy in awarding of contracts while he and his deputy would perform supervisory roles.

He appealed to the people of Bayelsa State to be patient with him to “ assemble a crack team that would drive the three- point agenda of the Consolidation Government. ”

Diri, who was full of gratitude to God and Bayelsans for their support and prayers, described Wednesday ’ s Supreme Court review verdict as “ an act of God that became a reality through the wisdom and courage of the apex court . ”

Punch quoted the governor as saying, “What has happened only proves the fact that there is a God that rules in the affairs of men . His decisions are final and supreme . There is no Supreme Court greater than the Supreme Court of God .

“He gave that judgment through the learned justices and some people felt they had to question Him . And God spoke through that woman that delivered the judgment. According to her , who are you to question the supremacy of the Supreme Court ?

“ And so for desecrating the temple of justice, a cost of N10 m each was imposed on two of the senior lawyers that represented the other party to be paid to three of the respondents , which included me and my deputy . Without even consulting my deputy, I have decided that both of us will surrender our N20 m each , that is N40 m , to the work of God in the church . ”

He underscored the need for the opposition APC in the state to embrace the olive branch extended to it for the sake of peace and sustainable development of the state .

He , however , said that intelligence report at his disposal indicated that some opposition elements were still bent on fomenting trouble over the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party at the Supreme Court.

Diri warned them to desist from all unwholesome activities as his government would not hesitate to deploy the full weight of the law to maintain peace and order in the state .

He added , “ As a people, let us learn to move ourselves upward. We need to build on the prevailing peace in this state so that investors can come in and we can also create employment for our young ones who want to work.

“ That is why we have offered the olive branch and we expect them all to accept it. But for those who refuse to accept it, but rather are planning evil , they should realise that we are now on the seat of power . We have information at our disposal. ”

(PUNCH)

PHOTO:File

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News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

18 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

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‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

19 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

19 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.