Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group - Politics

Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group - Politics - Nairaland

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Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Josepholome(op): 8:20pm On Oct 28

Bayelsa Is Nigeria’s Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke South-South Solidarity Group Berates Governor Diri

The Donald Duke South-South Solidarity Group strongly condemns the reckless and contemptuous remarks recently made by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, in which he dismissed the presidential ambition of His Excellency Donald Duke as a joke.

Governor Diri lacks the respect, courtesy, and moral standing to pass such a judgment. He is in no position to belittle a man of Duke’s stature, experience, and proven record.

In seven years in office, Governor Diri has distinguished himself only as Nigeria’s most travelled governor. He has not spent sixty consecutive days in Nigeria. He has travelled more than any other governor in the federation — more than the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and more than the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Sports, Tourism, or Investment. While the people of Bayelsa languish, he has turned the state’s resources into a personal ₦100-billion monthly bazaar for himself, his community, and his circle of friends and associates.

He is not Donald Duke’s mate. Unlike Duke, who governed with presence, focus, and accountability, Diri is an absentee governor who has spent more time outside the country than inside it. He is running a government without vision, direction, or purpose.

The people of Cross River still remember Donald Duke for the landmark policies and projects he implemented as governor. Elected at the young age of 37, Duke delivered enduring infrastructure and reforms that remain relevant and functional more than twenty years after he left office. What will Bayelsans remember Governor Diri for? Failed turbines he commissioned with fanfare that never worked? White-elephant projects that wasted taxpayers’ money? Fraudulent roads and bridges inflated for personal profit? Or the continuous squandering of ₦100 billion monthly on frivolity, foreign trips, and personal excesses? Duke built lasting legacies without such windfalls. Diri has squandered his on nothing of substance, except travelling and junketing around the globe.

It is therefore an insult of the highest order for Governor Diri to call Donald Duke’s presidential bid a joke. Diri clearly needs rehabilitation. He is a disappointment and a disgrace to Bayelsa State and the entire South-South. How does a state that has produced distinguished leaders such as Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Alfred Diete-Spiff, Timi Alaibe, Melford Okilo, and, in contemporary times, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, Dr Igali, and other prominent sons and daughters, settle for someone of Diri’s calibre? Bayelsa deserves better than a primitive, local, uneducated individual driven by greed.

We are not surprised. The manner in which Governor Diri has treated Bayelsa leaders, including those who helped him into office, is a clear testament to his lack of character. His attack on Duke shows he has no standards. He is known for betraying those who assisted him.

He should wait until he leaves office and see whether he will possess the stature and relevance that Donald Duke still commands more than two decades after leaving power. Only then will he know whether he can amount to anything politically at the local or national level.

Governor Diri travels with his harem and beauty queens while the people of Bayelsa suffer. He is an absentee governor without focus or vision. Donald Duke is doing what Diri himself should be doing: criticising the President for the diversion of the coastal road and fighting for the interest of the South-South and Niger Delta. That is a fight Diri has abandoned.

Instead of holding the federal government accountable for its failures in the Niger Delta, he is attacking Duke to curry favour from the Presidency. This is classic sycophancy to cover his well-known corrupt activities, which made him defect to the APC. Unlike Diri, Donald Duke never bought houses, estates, or hotels, nor invested taxpayers’ money around the globe to become the richest man in his state.

The unprintable things he said about Donald Duke are hereby condemned in the strongest terms. Governor Douye Diri is a disgrace to Bayelsa and the South-South. Bayelsa is today the worst-governed state in the region and in the entire country. No sane governor in Nigeria will commit close to ₦500 billion in his local community while citizens suffer. Duke developed Cross River and built landmark projects. Diri should continue to enjoy his uninterrupted eight-year holiday at the expense of the poor people of Bayelsa and leave Donald Duke alone.

He should focus on governing his state rather than insulting a former governor whose record he cannot match.

We are preparing for a major rally in Bayelsa and other South-South states against Governor Diri’s recklessness.

Signed:

Amb. Simon Ugbong
Chairman

Diepreye Amadein
Vice Chairman

Christopher Osaretin
Secretary

https://leaders.ng/2026/10/28/bayelsa-is-nigerias-most-misgoverned-state-under-diri-donald-duke-south-south-solidarity-group-berates-governor-diri/

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Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by favor914: 9:56pm On Oct 28

Josepholome:
Bayelsa Is Nigeria’s Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke South-South Solidarity Group Berates Governor Diri

https://leaders.ng/2026/10/28/bayelsa-is-nigerias-most-misgoverned-state-under-diri-donald-duke-south-south-solidarity-group-berates-governor-diri/

Nonsensical Jabberish of The Highest Order.

2 Likes

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Gotocourt: 10:09pm On Oct 28

No gree, fire back , GEJ never came from there lipsrsealed

Governor Diri travels with his harem and beauty queens while the people of Bayelsa suffer.

grin

17 Likes

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by ipobarecriminals: 10:10pm On Oct 28

This Duke should go and sidon for one corner. We nor forget the wasteful Tinapa abi wetin dem call am Obudu ranch

5 Likes 1 Share

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Arostar2023: 10:10pm On Oct 28

Kai! The species of humans in Nigeria are something of a wonder.

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Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by ipobarecriminals: 10:16pm On Oct 28

Duke wan spend his LOOT on Presidential bid undecided

. O.If he WIN his state grin

⅝

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Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Sleekfingers: 10:16pm On Oct 28

Bayelsa is blessed with ogogoro gulping Governors from 1999 till date .

That state is extremely backward

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Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Kukutente23: 10:18pm On Oct 28

This Duke get fatality o

Diri will nor believe it

It will be confusing him

18 Likes

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by backbone503(m): 10:27pm On Oct 28

Gbas gbos is all they are good at

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Niok: 11:03pm On Oct 28

Since when dis governor migrated to the apc
He has been silent and non existent

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Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Stanna2025: 11:30pm On Oct 28

You are talking about one of the very best governors of all time in Nigeria history. Calabar was the center of tourism globally during dukes time. Leave politics aside, you can't compare duke with diri, they are not mates in any level cept that this current bunch of governors are great thief's with the support of ebola in the center

ipobarecriminals:
This Duke should go and sidon for one corner. We nor forget the wasteful Tinapa abi wetin dem call am Obudu ranch

18 Likes

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Jossyman0007(m): 2:04am On Oct 29

Dukes tenure was one of the best cross-river ever had, unfortunately,he handed over to someone (Liyel Imoke) that couldn't continue with the pace of governance he initiated cool

Infact almost all the governors in that administration /Era were competing on how to outshine themselves in developmental projects,,not the looters we have currently, being headed by a Drug Baron shocked

Reason why good governance is now a rocket science with APC grin

UNAM -IKOT

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Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Eba50: 2:42am On Oct 29*

duke is the only governor cross river ever had. liyel is useless. even their current governor, i dont even know his name. s for bayelsa, e no suppose dey created. right from beginning, them no get governor. a state that is 1/3 in size of every other southern state and richer than them cos of its oil.ogogoro and women nahim allocation dey used on

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Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by FatimaAbubakar(f): 4:56am On Oct 29

Niok:
Since when dis governor migrated to the apc
He has been silent and non existent

What do you expect when someone joins a criminal and bandit party like APC?

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Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Reference(m): 5:24am On Oct 29

Niok:
Since when dis governor migrated to the apc
He has been silent and non existent

How many times will we talk about this.
Good governance is hard work.

Because you have to satisfy the PEOPLE (plural) to retain power, leaders look for easier means through the so called 'alignment with the centre' aka hiding under the ALL POWERFUL central government (singular) so that failures are easily covered up. Leaving the people confused as to who to hold to account.

Today, the centre says, 'hold your governors (state) to account'. That is the state governors they are democratically shielding from accountability through the instrumentality of state craft.

So where is the incentive for performance when you are guaranteed the spear of a return if seeking a fresh term or guaranteed a shield of protection against accountability if you are not.

Mr. Diri, ride on. They got your back in the race to the bottom. What is your business with the people. Once again, We did not get to this place in Nigeria's history by mistake. We all together worked it this way by our choices.

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by DeltaBachelor(m): 5:27am On Oct 29

Hmmmm. Well, I really don’t know what to say at this juncture

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by FSBoperator: 6:33am On Oct 29

Duke remains an embittered petty individual.

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Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by jaxxy(m): 7:20am On Oct 29

What has diri done for bayelsa state?

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by AcadaWriter0: 9:02am On Oct 29

Of course, Duke’s got a solid grip on the state – no competition whatsoever! AcadaWriter

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by EdiskyHarry: 9:31am On Oct 29

To me I think it's Akwa ibom under umoh eno

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Ten06(m): 12:36pm On Oct 29

Donald is someone I hold in very high regard in this country, but I respectfully disagree with his description of Bayelsa State under Governor Douye Diri as being poorly governed.

Bayelsa has had several governors since its creation, and in my assessment, Douye Diri ranks among the best of them, particularly in infrastructure development. The number of roads his administration has constructed and completed, in my view, surpasses the combined achievements of his predecessors in that area.

When it comes to infrastructural development, Douye Diri has made significant contributions that deserve recognition. While every administration has its strengths and weaknesses, it is unfair to overlook these achievements when assessing his performance.

With all due respect to Donald Duke, I believe he is not sufficiently informed about the current realities and level of development in Bayelsa State to make such a sweeping judgment. A fair assessment should be based on verifiable facts and an understanding of the actual situation on the ground.

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Ten06(m): 12:55pm On Oct 29

Josepholome:
Bayelsa Is Nigeria’s Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke South-South Solidarity Group Berates Governor Diri

https://leaders.ng/2026/10/28/bayelsa-is-nigerias-most-misgoverned-state-under-diri-donald-duke-south-south-solidarity-group-berates-governor-diri/

A FACTUAL RESPONSE TO THE CRITICS OF GOVERNOR DOUYE DIRI’S ADMINISTRATION

One cannot fairly assess Governor Douye Diri’s administration without considering the changes that have taken place in Bayelsa State since he assumed office.

Before Diri became governor, access to Yenagoa, the state capital, was heavily dependent on a single major road corridor. Today, his administration has constructed and completed additional roads providing alternative routes into the capital. This is a significant infrastructural development that deserves recognition when assessing his administration’s performance.

The argument that the gas turbine commissioned under his administration never worked is equally misleading in light of its current operational status. The turbine is now functioning effectively, providing electricity around the clock to the state. Rather than continuing to describe it as a failed project, critics should acknowledge its current performance and assess the actual benefits it delivers to residents.

Furthermore, Diri’s administration has procured cars and buses to improve transportation and ease the movement of people within the state. These are practical interventions that can contribute to mobility and public convenience.

His administration has also maintained the payment of civil servants’ salaries as and when due, while pension payments have been made to retirees. For workers and pensioners who depend on these payments to meet their daily needs, this is an important aspect of governance that should form part of any balanced assessment.

Donald Duke’s achievements as governor of Cross River State can be acknowledged without dismissing the developments taking place in Bayelsa. Every administration operates under different circumstances, and comparisons should be based on verifiable projects, measurable outcomes, and the conditions each governor inherited.

If anyone claims that Governor Diri has failed, the appropriate response is to examine the evidence: the roads constructed, the electricity generated, the transportation facilities provided, and the record of salary and pension payments. Equally, any allegations of corruption, wasteful expenditure, or abandoned projects should be supported by credible evidence.

Governance should be assessed on the basis of facts, not personal insults or politically motivated generalisations.

Bayelsa State still has challenges that require attention, and no responsible person should suggest that every problem has been solved. However, acknowledging those challenges should not mean ignoring completed projects and improvements that residents can experience.

The people of Bayelsa deserve a balanced assessment of their government—one that recognises achievements, identifies shortcomings, and demands accountability where necessary.

That is the standard that should guide every discussion about Governor Douye Diri and the development of Bayelsa State.

I did not speak for the governor. This is my personal view

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by cremedelacreme: 1:08pm On Oct 29

Ex Governor DD of Cross River Vs Governor DD of Bayelsa

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Antoeni(m): 1:16pm On Oct 29

Bayelsa is Far too Better Than Edo State,
As it's , Edo State Has No Governor

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by Welrez(m): 1:28pm On Oct 29

Some of you talking trash here have never been to Bayelsa, let alone regularly going there to compare the difference in terrain between Bayelsa and other states and between the different administrations of the state. Donald Duke didn't show regard the office of a serving governor by the manner he talked to Douye Diri. So Douye Diri only returned what he gave back to him in equal measure. Bayelsa State, under Diri, has experienced better governance in terms of infrastructure, security, and workers welfare than under all other administrations in the history of Bayelsa State.

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by FSBoperator: 3:26pm On Oct 29

All this because the Bayelsa governor commended Tinubu for the ongoing coastal road and other projects

Duke is an embittered petty individual.

1 Like

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by FSBoperator: 3:27pm On Oct 29

AcadaWriter0:
Of course, Duke’s got a solid grip on the state – no competition whatsoever! AcadaWriter

Which state?

Someone that relocated to VI, Lagos when his tenure ended and only goes to Cross River for carnival.

1 Like

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by od4life(m): 4:02pm On Oct 29

Pot calling kettle black. Tinapa was a white elephant project that has made Cross Rivers State one of the most indebted states till date.

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by yeshuasfootstep(m): 4:46pm On Oct 29

So these people has descended to this level?

Re: Bayelsa Is The Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke Support Group by zoedew: 5:02pm On Oct 29

Josepholome:
Bayelsa Is Nigeria’s Most Misgoverned State Under Diri — Donald Duke South-South Solidarity Group Berates Governor Diri

https://leaders.ng/2026/10/28/bayelsa-is-nigerias-most-misgoverned-state-under-diri-donald-duke-south-south-solidarity-group-berates-governor-diri/

How about the Nigerian Airforce exam cheat thief and tummy tucker disguised as a woman granted State pardon by Uncle Fortunatus a corrupt fellow in stealth mode!

1 Reply

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