Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Niger Delta University (NDU) chapter, to suspend their ongoing strike, assuring them of the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.
The governor made the appeal during the 148th State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday at the Government House in Yenagoa. This was his first official engagement after resuming from his annual leave.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Thursday, Diri expressed concern over the strike, which began on December 10, emphasizing its impact on students and the institution. He urged the lecturers to embrace dialogue and pledged his administration’s readiness to negotiate in good faith to improve their welfare.
Diri reaffirmed his respect for the teaching profession and assured the striking lecturers that their grievances would be addressed in a manner beneficial to all stakeholders.
He said, “Let me call on ASUU, and strikes should be the last resort. I invite them to return to the negotiation table as the issues can be amicably resolved.
“Government is committed to prioritising the welfare of lecturers and workers. Let us also consider the future of our children and the younger generation. Lecturers hold a significant place in this state, and we value their contributions.”
During the meeting, Diri also addressed the enforcement of the state’s law banning open grazing, warning that violators would face the full weight of the law. He directed relevant government agencies to ensure strict compliance and called on community leaders to cooperate with state officials in implementing the ban.
“We banned open grazing in this state in 2022, and the ban remains in force. It is a crime for herders to destroy farmlands. All relevant agencies are directed to ensure no herder is allowed into our bushes. By our laws, no herder has the right to destroy our farmlands,” Diri stated.
The governor also sent a message to herders, particularly those from the northern part of the country, emphasizing that Bayelsa State would not tolerate open grazing.
“All community leaders are hereby instructed to ensure that no cattle herder operates within their domains. Our laws against open grazing must be fully implemented,” he added.
Diri further cautioned residents against the practice of bush burning, highlighting its environmental and economic risks. He urged the Commissioner for Information to launch a sensitization campaign to educate the public on alternative farming methods.
“Bush burning is not an option. I call on our people to stop it immediately and adopt better farming practices that protect both the environment and the people,” he warned.
The governor expressed gratitude to the people of Bayelsa for their support during his leave and encouraged continued cooperation, emphasizing that the success of the administration depended on the collective effort of the citizens.
“Thank you for your unwavering support while I was away. Let us continue to work together for the progress of our state,” he said.
