Community News
Bassambiri: Diri sidelines politics for lasting peace in Bayelsa community
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
09 Oct 2025 01:00 AM
Yenagoa, Bayelsa – Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, has taken decisive steps to address the longstanding conflict in the Bassambiri community of Nembe Local Government Area during the 173rd session of the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday.
In a significant move, the governor received the report of the Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) Peace Steering Committee, led by retired Vice Admiral Victor Ombu at government house Yenagoa, and issued directives aimed at restoring lasting peace and promoting development in the region.
Governor Diri expressed deep appreciation for Admiral Ombu and the committee members for their tireless efforts in fostering reconciliation.
"Your service to our state and commitment to reconciliation will forever be remembered in the history of that community," he stated during the meeting.
To strengthen ongoing peace efforts, the governor issued a firm one-month ultimatum to AITEO Exploration and Production Company Limited to remit all funds due to the Bassambiri community to the Peace Steering Committee, in line with his earlier directive.
"The company has one month to comply fully with no excuses, and no delays," he emphasized, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance.
Additionally, Governor Diri directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to assess the proposed link road from the Unity Bridge to the community and submit a report within two weeks for further action.
These measures reflect a multi-faceted strategy to address both financial and infrastructural needs in the conflict-ridden area.
The governor highlighted his decision to set aside partisan politics to resolve the decades-old crisis, urging community leaders to embrace the peace process. He noted the return of displaced residents as a positive outcome and reaffirmed his administration’s mission under the "Government of Assured Prosperity" to build peace, promote unity, and advance development across Bayelsa State.
Daily South Nigeria understands that, the Bassambiri conflict, spanning over three decades, has been a persistent challenge, often linked to disputes over resource control and community entitlements.
In a significant move, the governor received the report of the Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) Peace Steering Committee, led by retired Vice Admiral Victor Ombu at government house Yenagoa, and issued directives aimed at restoring lasting peace and promoting development in the region.
Governor Diri expressed deep appreciation for Admiral Ombu and the committee members for their tireless efforts in fostering reconciliation.
"Your service to our state and commitment to reconciliation will forever be remembered in the history of that community," he stated during the meeting.
To strengthen ongoing peace efforts, the governor issued a firm one-month ultimatum to AITEO Exploration and Production Company Limited to remit all funds due to the Bassambiri community to the Peace Steering Committee, in line with his earlier directive.
"The company has one month to comply fully with no excuses, and no delays," he emphasized, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance.
Additionally, Governor Diri directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to assess the proposed link road from the Unity Bridge to the community and submit a report within two weeks for further action.
These measures reflect a multi-faceted strategy to address both financial and infrastructural needs in the conflict-ridden area.
The governor highlighted his decision to set aside partisan politics to resolve the decades-old crisis, urging community leaders to embrace the peace process. He noted the return of displaced residents as a positive outcome and reaffirmed his administration’s mission under the "Government of Assured Prosperity" to build peace, promote unity, and advance development across Bayelsa State.
Daily South Nigeria understands that, the Bassambiri conflict, spanning over three decades, has been a persistent challenge, often linked to disputes over resource control and community entitlements.
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