The Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, Edmund Daukoru, has described the ongoing Nembe-Brass road project as a transformative development that holds greater value than numerous other projects combined for the people of the area.
Speaking in an interview with Assured Prosperity Magazine, the monarch, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, assessed the six-year administration of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, giving it a performance rating of between 80 and 90 percent.
Daukoru noted that while achieving a perfect score in governance is nearly impossible, the current administration has performed impressively, particularly in meeting the expectations of the people. He emphasized that, as a traditional ruler, he is well aware of the high demands of his subjects and believes they would support his positive assessment of the government.
Highlighting key projects, the monarch pointed to the completion of the Unity Bridge, which had been abandoned by previous administrations. According to him, the bridge has significantly improved connectivity between the communities of Ogbolomabiri and Bassambiri, easing movement and fostering unity.
However, he placed greater emphasis on the Nembe-Brass road, describing it as a long-awaited intervention that has the potential to permanently alter the socio-economic realities of the riverine communities. He explained that journeys that should ordinarily take a few hours by road previously lasted days due to reliance on waterways.
“For years, it felt as though Brass and Nembe were separated by over a thousand kilometres,” he said. “This project is not just everything to us; it is more than everything. It has enhanced safety and reduced the risks associated with riverine travel.”
Daukoru added that the road project is already impacting security in the region, noting that reduced dependence on waterways could weaken the activities of sea pirates. He stressed that the development is enabling residents to carry out their daily economic and social activities more safely.
The traditional ruler also revealed that he regularly visits the project site to monitor progress. He expressed optimism about the pace of work, particularly the ongoing bridge construction over the Kiberi River, and commended the contractors for their commitment.
Reflecting on Bayelsa State’s development since its creation in 1996, Daukoru recalled that the state started with minimal infrastructure but has made significant strides over the past three decades. He credited successive administrations for improvements in road networks, education, and urban development, noting that the state can now boast of higher institutions and better living conditions for its residents.
He traced the creation of the state to the military administration of Sani Abacha, stating that despite criticisms of military rule, the era facilitated decisive actions such as state creation.
The monarch also acknowledged the contributions of the state’s first civilian governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who he said laid the foundation for development by mobilizing support from Bayelsans.
On security, Daukoru commended Governor Diri for maintaining relative peace in the state since assuming office in 2020. He noted that aside from isolated incidents, Bayelsa has enjoyed sustained calm, which he described as critical for development.
“We have had peace continuously in Bayelsa State since 2020 when this governor came into office,” he said, adding that the governor’s personal commitment to peace has positively influenced the entire state.
He further stated that the level of infrastructural development achieved in the past six years is significant and sets a high benchmark for future administrations. According to him, whoever succeeds Governor Diri will face the challenge of sustaining both the pace of development and the prevailing peace.
“The Nembe-Brass road project has united us as members of one kingdom,” Daukoru added, while urging continued support for the project and the administration driving it.
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