Former governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Bayelsa State, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has praised Governor Douye Diri for what he described as steady and commendable progress in road infrastructure across the state. In a public statement, Eradiri acknowledged the improvements in key infrastructural projects and encouraged all well-meaning Bayelsans to recognize and support the administration’s developmental strides.
The commendation comes amid ongoing efforts by the Bayelsa State government to expand and rehabilitate road networks in both urban and rural communities. According to Eradiri, the projects initiated under Governor Diri’s administration are not only timely but also critical to the socio-economic advancement of the state.
“Steady progress being recorded in road infrastructure by Senator Douye Diri must be commended by well-meaning Bayelsans,” Eradiri stated. He added, “More grease to your elbows, Mr. Governor.” His remarks suggest a non-partisan appreciation for developmental efforts, despite his previous political contest against the sitting governor under the Labour Party platform.
Governor Diri, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has made road infrastructure one of the focal points of his administration since assuming office. His government has particularly prioritized projects that connect remote communities to Yenagoa, the state capital, and other economic hubs in Bayelsa.
Among the notable projects underway or completed under his administration is the construction of the Nembe-Brass Road, a long-awaited project that aims to open up coastal communities for easier access and economic development. There is also ongoing work on the Yenagoa-Oporoma Road, which connects communities in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area that have long faced transportation challenges due to the terrain and lack of proper road access.
The governor has also initiated the dualization of major roads within Yenagoa and the rehabilitation of several internal road networks, aiming to reduce congestion and improve transport efficiency in the capital.
Eradiri’s commendation is seen by observers as significant, considering the often partisan nature of political commentary in the state. As a former opponent, his public praise may signal a shift toward more inclusive and issue-based political engagement in Bayelsa.
Eradiri, a former commissioner and youth leader, has consistently advocated for youth empowerment, economic diversification, and transparent governance in the state. His recent acknowledgment of infrastructural improvements under a rival party’s administration aligns with his repeated calls for development-oriented leadership, regardless of political affiliation.
Meanwhile, Governor Diri has repeatedly emphasized his administration’s commitment to infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable development. He has argued that improved roads not only facilitate movement but also enhance access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for residents in hard-to-reach areas.
In recent public addresses, the governor reiterated his intention to complete major road projects before the end of his tenure. He noted that infrastructure development remains a top priority and that the government is leveraging limited resources to ensure ongoing projects are delivered efficiently.
Residents of various communities have also begun expressing satisfaction with the pace of construction, citing shorter travel times and improved access to markets and essential services. While some challenges persist, including funding constraints and difficult terrain, the overall outlook for road infrastructure in Bayelsa under Governor Diri has been largely positive.
With voices like Eradiri adding to the commendations, the Diri administration may be gaining broader recognition for its developmental approach, especially in a state where infrastructural deficits have long hindered growth.
As the state continues to build on these achievements, political stakeholders and residents alike will be watching closely to see whether the momentum in road development can be sustained in the years ahead.
