GTI Backs Gov. Diri’s Anti-Oil Theft Campaign, Commends Developmental Strides in Bayelsa

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

Guard Time Information (GTI), a nationwide human rights advocacy organization, has expressed strong support for the administration of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, applauding his efforts to combat oil theft, strengthen security and drive sustainable development across the state.

The group also called on residents of Bayelsa to continue supporting the governor’s administration, describing peace, security and collective responsibility as critical to the state’s continued progress.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, GTI Chairman, Bibi Oduku, commended Governor Diri for prioritizing human capital development and implementing proactive security measures aimed at protecting lives and property. He particularly praised the establishment of community-based security networks working alongside conventional security agencies to tackle crime at the grassroots.

Oduku also lauded the choice of Deputy Governor, Peter Pereotubo Akpe, describing him as a dependable partner whose contributions have strengthened governance and supported the administration’s developmental agenda.

The human rights group further applauded several infrastructure projects executed by the Diri administration, including the recently commissioned Yenagoa–Oporoma Road and Bridge, as well as road projects spread across the state’s three senatorial districts.

According to GTI, the establishment of the Bayelsa State Waterways Security Agency represents a strategic initiative to curb oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, sea piracy and other criminal activities on the state’s waterways. The organization noted that the agency would enhance security while contributing to increased national revenue from crude oil production.

Members of GTI’s Bayelsa State Legal Team, including Judith Miebiotobo, Aniso Abraham and Pere-Ebi Pere, pledged continued legal support for programmes that promote peace, justice and development.

The legal team also commended the successful implementation of the Bayelsa Independent Power Project at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area, describing it as a major investment that will stimulate industrial growth, attract investors and create employment opportunities for residents.

They reaffirmed GTI’s commitment to advancing human rights through public enlightenment campaigns, legal education and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights, while pledging support for lawful initiatives that foster peace and social harmony across Bayelsa.

The Bayelsa State Coordinator of GTI, Laiye Abraham Tueridi, said the organization’s assessment showed that the governor’s developmental projects had been fairly distributed across different parts of the state. He urged residents to place the collective interest of Bayelsa above partisan considerations and continue supporting government initiatives.

Tueridi further disclosed that GTI had commenced its “Abstain from Drugs and Crime Awareness Programme,” an initiative designed to discourage substance abuse and other social vices among young people.

Also speaking, the State Secretary of GTI, Tume Kendrick Azaselebo, reiterated the directive of the organization’s national leadership for state coordinators and executives across the country to work closely with security agencies in promoting peace and addressing insecurity within their communities.

In his closing remarks, GTI Chairman, Comrade Oduku, urged Bayelsans to sustain their support for the Diri administration, saying the government’s policies and programmes were already attracting both local and international investments.

He emphasized that peace, security and responsible citizenship remain indispensable to sustainable development, and called on residents to reject criminal activities capable of undermining the state’s stability and future prosperity.