Diri Urges Bayelsa Elders Council to Stay Politically Neutral

On Tuesday, during the inauguration of the new executive committee of the Bayelsa State Elders Council in Yenagoa, Governor Senator Douye Diri, represented by his deputy Dr Peter Akpe, urged the council to remain politically neutral and objective in their advisory roles. The new leadership, headed by High Chief Boma Spero-Jack, includes Prof. Alison Oguru as Vice Chairman, Chief Benedict Guembe as Secretary-General, and Dr Ezonebi Opubo as Assistant Secretary, among others.

Diri emphasized the council's wealth of experience as crucial for providing honest counsel on issues affecting Bayelsa State. He expressed concern over the decline in local economic activities such as farming and fishing, urging the council to advise the government on strategies to encourage Bayelsans, especially youths, to engage in productive activities.

Diri also mentioned ongoing efforts to institutionalize the Elders Council through legislation, with a proposed bill currently before the State House of Assembly.