DIRI APPEALS WITH BAYELSA VARSITY'S ASUU TO CALL OFF STRIKE

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Senator Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State, has urged the Niger Delta University branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities to call off its strike, promising to resolve their complaints.

During the 148th State Executive Council meeting, which was held at Government House in Yenagoa on Wednesday, the governor made the request.

Just back from his yearly leave, Diri asked the striking lecturers to engage in conversation for the benefit of the students and the school.

His chief press secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said in a statement Thursday that the state administration was concerned about the strike, which started on December 10.

Diri reiterated his administration’s respect for lecturers and its willingness to negotiate to improve their welfare.

He said, “Let me call on ASUU that strikes should be the last resort. I invite them to return to the negotiation table as the issues can be amicably resolved.

“Government is committed to prioritising the welfare of lecturers and workers. Let us also consider the future of our children and the younger generation. Lecturers hold a significant place in this state, and we value their contributions.”

During the meeting, Diri also addressed the enforcement of the state’s law banning open grazing, warning that violators would face the full weight of the law. He directed relevant government agencies to ensure strict compliance and called on community leaders to cooperate with state officials in implementing the ban.

“We banned open grazing in this state in 2022, and the ban remains in force. It is a crime for herders to destroy farmlands. All relevant agencies are directed to ensure no herder is allowed into our bushes. By our laws, no herder has the right to destroy our farmlands,” Diri stated.

The governor also sent a message to herders, particularly those from the northern part of the country, emphasizing that Bayelsa State would not tolerate open grazing.

“All community leaders are hereby instructed to ensure that no cattle herder operates within their domains. Our laws against open grazing must be fully implemented,” he added.

Diri further cautioned residents against the practice of bush burning, highlighting its environmental and economic risks. He urged the Commissioner for Information to launch a sensitization campaign to educate the public on alternative farming methods.

“Bush burning is not an option. I call on our people to stop it immediately and adopt better farming practices that protect both the environment and the people,” he warned.

The governor expressed gratitude to the people of Bayelsa for their support during his leave and encouraged continued cooperation, emphasizing that the success of the administration depended on the collective effort of the citizens.

“Thank you for your unwavering support while I was away. Let us continue to work together for the progress of our state,” he said.