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Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri has revealed that the death of former Access Bank Plc Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, nearly derailed Bayelsa State’s gas-powered electricity project.
Speaking on Sunday at the “Feast Day Cultural Fiesta” of St Mathias Catholic Church in Amarata, Yenagoa, Diri said the project had now reached its final stages, with electricity already being supplied to parts of the state capital.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor described the initiative as a major breakthrough in his administration’s effort to deliver uninterrupted power supply across the state.
Diri said that electricity from the newly installed turbines had reached the Opolo area and was being extended towards the NDDC state headquarters, with supply expected to cover Kpansia and surrounding communities soon.
“Our gas turbine project is not dead as some insinuated. It was actually in its final stages,” the governor said.
He explained that the plant uses electronically controlled gas turbines capable of supplying stable electricity to homes across the state.
Recalling how the project started, Diri said he had reached an agreement with Wigwe during his first term in office before the banker’s death in a plane crash disrupted the arrangement.
“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,” he said.
The governor added that another proposal involving a ship-mounted power plant was rejected because he preferred a land-based solution that would utilise Bayelsa’s gas resources.
“I told my dear friend I do not need a ship on our waters to supply power. I want electricity on ground here in Yenagoa,” he stated.
Diri also acknowledged that the project faced challenges during the testing phase due to deteriorated transmission lines belonging to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company.
According to him, some cables failed when power was transmitted, causing the electronically controlled system to trip off.
Despite the setbacks, he assured residents that stable electricity supply was now guaranteed.
The governor also expressed satisfaction with the development of St Mathias Catholic Church and pledged continued support for faith-based initiatives in the state.
