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Diri Applauds Tinubu, Pledges To Be Governor For All
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa has applauded President Bola Tinubu for keeping to his pledge of non-interference in the off-cylce governorship election in Bayelsa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Diri, of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was re-elected for second term in the governorship election held on Saturday.
Diri in a statewide broadcast on Monday pledged to be the governor for all the people of Bayelsa, irrespective of their political affiliation.
“I want to place on record our gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allowing the conducive environment for what has been a free, fair and credible election.”
He also appreciated the people of the state for electing him for another four-year term.
“This victory would not have been possible without the mighty hand and grace of the Almighty and the overwhelming support you have shown towards me and my Government of Prosperity.
“I am deeply humbled by your overwhelming expression of confidence and by your mandate to serve you for another four years.
“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone that cast your vote in my favour and entrusted me with the responsibility of leading our beloved state.”
The governor described his victory as “the collective will of a people united towards progress and a better future”.
“Even those who cast their votes differently enriched our democratic practice by their participation and dissent.
“I reaffirm that I will continue to be the governor of all in Bayelsa.”
The governor appreciated security agencies for their professionalism and hard work in providing security during and after the election.
He also ccommended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for discharging its responsibilities “largely creditably”.
“I want to specifically acknowledge and appreciate our leader, former President Goodluck Jonathan, for his unqualified support just as I thank my immediate predecessor in office, Sen. Henry Dickson, for his unwavering and abiding support.
“Our special appreciation also goes to our party leaders and my brother governors for their physical presence and invaluable moral support during this process,” Diri added.
He also spoke on the violence recorded in some parts of the state during the election, assuring that there will be consequences for the “utterly unacceptable” violence.
“In this moment, I offer my deepest condolences to the individuals and families that have suffered from brutal attacks, loss of life, injuries, and harassment during this off-cycle election,” the governor said.
The Nigerian Consulate in South Africa, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has offered a free repatriation flight for Nigerians wishing to return home permanently due to the worsening xenophobic attacks in May 2026.
This follows reports of at least two Nigerian fatalities and widespread property damage in cities like East London, Cape Town, and Durban
Amid rising unrest in South Africa, the Nigerian Consulate in the country, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, has offered a free repatriation flight to Nigerians willing to return home permanently.
The President of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH, acknowledged that the situation had forced many Nigerians to shut their shops and businesses.
According to him, there is currently no structured support system in place for affected Nigerians, but the consulate’s intervention is already providing an option for those who wish to leave.
Onyekwelu said many Nigerians were already indicating interest in returning home.
He said, “The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently, and the process is ongoing as we have recorded many Nigerians signalling interest to return home.”
Meanwhile, Nigerians in South Africa have narrated their harrowing experiences.
They lamented that the recurring violence had continued to threaten their safety, livelihoods, and mental well-being.
Those who spoke to our correspondents said they had been forced to stay indoors, and were now living in constant fear amid targeted attacks on foreign nationals.
Violent anti-foreigner protests erupted in cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in harassment, looting, property damage, and injuries.
This has triggered fear and panic within the diaspora community, with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission directing Nigerian business owners to temporarily shut down to minimise risks and avoid losses.
The protests, according to reports, are being driven by community groups, anti-immigration organisations, and social movements such as Operation Dudula, the March and March Movement, and similar local initiatives, often under the banner of tackling illegal immigration and unemployment.
The demonstrations are organised by groups accusing migrants of causing economic hardship and crime, with activists demanding the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, particularly those from African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Somalia.
Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji and his wife, actress Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe have announced the arrival of their triplet sons.
Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy.
“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote.
The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children.
The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues.
Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.”
OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe
I’m an Auntie”
Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam”
Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.
A devastating fire has destroyed an aluminum company and a residential building in two separate incidents in Oyo State this week.
The aluminum company, located at Km 110, Iyaganku area of Ibadan was razed on Thursday while the fire incident at the residential building in Ogbomoso occurred on Wednesday.
Chairman, Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande confirmed both incidents, saying his men have brought the situation under control.
“Upon arrival, a building used as an office with adjoining warehouse was engulfed by fire. The fire was caused by electrical sparks from an appliance plugged and unattended to and it ignited nearby combustibles, and set the building ablaze.
On the building in Ogbomoso, he said, “Upon arrival, it was discovered that the first room by the right of an ancient residential building was engulfed by fire”.
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