Sh*ck Revelation: Wigwe’s Death Nearly Derails Bayelsa’s 24-Hour Electricity Dream, Says Diri

According to a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor said the initiative is a key part of his administration’s drive to achieve 24-hour electricity supply in the state.

Diri explained that during his first term, discussions were held with Wigwe on a partnership through Access Bank, which progressed significantly before being halted by the banker’s tragic death in a plane crash.

“I started this electricity matter with Access Bank and the late Herbert Wigwe. At the point we were to sign an MoU, Wigwe came to my country home in Sampou, and we agreed on everything. Then he left for America, and that was the last of him,” Diri said.

He added that after Wigwe’s death, another proposal was made involving a ship-mounted power facility, but he rejected it in favour of a land-based solution powered by the state’s natural gas resources.

“I told my dear friend I do not need a ship on our waters to supply power. I want electricity on the ground here in Yenagoa. We are very rich in oil and gas, and I believe it could be achieved through gas turbines,” he stated.

Diri disclosed that the gas turbines, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on April 10, are currently undergoing test runs in parts of Yenagoa and will soon be expanded to other areas.

He said the project marks a major step toward his administration’s goal of providing uninterrupted electricity across the state.

Speaking at the “Feast Day Cultural Fiesta” of St. Mathias Catholic Church, Amarata, Yenagoa, the governor noted that electricity from the turbines had already reached the Opolo area and was extending toward the NDDC state headquarters, with Kpansia and surrounding communities expected to be connected soon.

He described the system as a modern, electronically controlled gas turbine capable of delivering 24-hour power supply to homes across the state.

“Our gas turbine project is not dead as some insinuated. It was actually in its final stages,” he said.

“As I speak, power is gradually getting to homes in parts of Yenagoa. It has reached the Opolo axis and is moving toward the NDDC state headquarters. By today or tomorrow, it will get to Kpansia and beyond.”

Diri contrasted the new system with older installations, noting that the current turbines are digitally controlled and more advanced.

He also explained that initial test-run challenges were linked to the poor state of transmission infrastructure, particularly aging and damaged power lines under the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).

“The only challenge we have is that the PHEDC lines are very bad. Once power is supplied from our plant, the lines fail, especially where wires are broken. And because our system is electronic, it trips off,” he said.

He added that engineers are currently working to upgrade the transmission network, including plans to introduce improved electronic systems to enhance stability and efficiency.