Bayelsa East Leaders, Elders, Women, Youths To Protest Over Marginalization In Sen Douye Diri Administration

Leaders, stakeholders, women and youths in Bayelsa East Senatorial District has perfected preparations to stage a peaceful protest against Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri over marginalization and neglect in political appointments in the government since inception.

The people of the east also deserves sensitive offices in the government for their resolute support for the government since inception, but they have been marginalized. The office of the deputy governor from the east will balance the political structure.

Marginalization of the east people in sensitive government appointments is an outright disrespect to the former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Gen. Melford Okilo, and other leaders from the east senatorial district.

Even though the speaker of the state house of assembly is not considered, there are other competent individuals eminently qualified to handle the office of the deputy governor for the remaining years of the government.

The governor should consult former president, and other leaders from the east to chose a deputy governor from either Ogbia, Nembe or Brass.

The eastern region planned peaceful protest is a furtherance expression of dissatisfaction in accordance and solidarity with the group, the Bayelsa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress Grassroot Movement (BSAGM) condemnation of Governor Diri administration over marginalization of appointments.

According to the eastern people, the governor has consciously and deliberately marginalized the east in sensitive political appointments in the government, pointing out that all the top offices in the government are handled by his relatives from Kolokuma-Opokuma and Sagbama.

For instance; all government house appointments are handled by his relatives, the chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, Director of Domestic, Director of Transport, including S.A Political, and other sensitive appointments in the government.

Governor Douye Diri has deliberately neglected and marginalized the east, we will exercise our constitutional right of a peaceful protest to express our dissatisfaction to the world.

Since the creation of Bayelsa State, successive administrations had maintained political conglomeration across the three senatorial district in the state, but Diri administration had neglected the east from inception.

The east is only been marginalized, and neglected in Diri administration. Alamieyeseigha, Jonathan, Sylva, and Dickson carried out fair, equal appointments, infrastructure across the state, in their administrations.

Successive governments since 1999, had fairly and transparently distributed political appointments across the senatorial district, but the contrary is Diri’s administration.

It is absolutely unfortunate that the east had been undermined by Diri, running a one-sided government of Kolokuma-Opokuma, and the whole state is watching the government.

In exercise of constitutional right of a peaceful protest, the east will carry out a peaceful protest to government house next week to publicly express their dissatisfaction to the world over the undemocratic marginalization of appointments in Diri administration.

Signed:

Chief Samuel Azibator – Ogbia

High Chief Nengi Sylvanus -Nembe

Chief Williams Naworio – Brass

Bayelsa East Leaders, Elders, Women, Youths To Protest Over Marginalization In Sen Douye Diri Administration

Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives have arrested a man following a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) incident at the Bayelsa State Secretariat in Yenagoa.

Zagazola reports that the explosion was heard on Feb. 11, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., prompting an immediate response from police operatives attached to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit.

Sources said that the suspect, identified as Pentecost Elijah, 60, of Otuan in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, reportedly admitted to placing the suspected explosives in the secretariat complex.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspect claimed he sought to draw attention from the State Government due to perceived neglect.

The sources said that the area has been cordoned off, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, along with CBRN specialists, are conducting thorough sweeps of the complex. Authorities confirmed that the situation is currently under control, and investigations are ongoing.

Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested

Korea, Kaduna Film Festival Spotlight Girl-Child Plight, Deepen Creative Ties

By: Michael Mike

The Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), has hosted a powerful screening of “Scars the Movie” alongside an intensive filmmaking workshop in Abuja, using cinema as a platform to confront social injustice and strengthen Nigeria–Korea cultural relations.

The event brought together filmmakers, actors, students and culture enthusiasts for a thought-provoking exploration of forced marriage, gender inequality and the transformative power of storytelling.

Scars the Movie follows the journey of Hasia, a 16-year-old girl with dreams of becoming a doctor, whose aspirations are crushed when her father forces her into marriage to settle a debt. Married off to an older wealthy man, she endures abuse, repeated miscarriages and isolation, while her education and independence are stripped away. The film lays bare the harsh intersection of poverty, patriarchy and silence that continues to affect vulnerable girls.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of KCCN Abuja, Mr. Jeon Ju-ho, described the screening as deeply significant, noting that it addresses an issue that transcends borders.

“Today is of immense importance because it speaks about life — and not just life, but the life of a girl child,” he said. “A child forced into the role of a woman, and brutally so. These are conversations we must not avoid.”

He emphasized that film remains one of the most powerful tools for sparking dialogue and social reflection.

Director-General of KADIFF, Israel Audu, explained that the film was deliberately selected to spotlight challenges prevalent in parts of northern Nigeria.

“Hasia’s story represents the painful reality faced by many young girls whose dreams are sacrificed on the altar of poverty and cultural pressure,” Audu said. “This film exposes the emotional and generational scars such practices leave behind.”

Beyond the screening, participants engaged in a practical workshop covering directing, acting and cinematography, designed to strengthen technical capacity within Nigeria’s fast-growing film industry.

Audu noted that the partnership between KADIFF and KCCN reflects a broader commitment to creative collaboration between Nigeria and South Korea. He said cultural exchanges — from film festivals to K-drama, K-pop, language classes, Taekwondo and culinary programs — have helped build mutual understanding between both nations.

According to him, more than 300,000 Nigerians have participated in Korean cultural programmes, gaining new skills and global exposure.

“These collaborations are not just about entertainment,” he said. “They are about knowledge transfer, talent development and economic opportunity. By sharing filmmaking techniques and nurturing creative talent, we can develop a richer, blended cinematic identity.”

The event underscored how film can serve as both a mirror and a bridge — reflecting societal challenges while connecting cultures across continents.

As discussions continue around protecting the rights of the girl-child and expanding Nigeria’s creative economy, stakeholders say partnerships like this demonstrate how art, when supported by international cooperation, can inspire change and deepen diplomatic ties.

Korea, Kaduna Film Festival Spotlight Girl-Child Plight, Deepen Creative Ties