December 16, (THEWILL) – The Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to establishing independent power plants to ensure stable electricity supply across the state.
Speaking on Monday during a meeting with the leadership of Imiringi Community and stakeholders from Ogbia Local Government Area, including the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Owaba, at Government House, Yenagoa, Ewhrudjakpo disclosed plans to partner with Chinese investors to site a new power plant.
The plant, to be located near the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s existing gas turbine at Elebele, is projected to generate 60,000 megawatts of electricity.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Doubara Atasi, the Acting Governor also revealed that efforts are underway to refurbish the state-owned Imiringi gas turbine in Ogbia Local Government Area.
“When operational, the Imiringi gas turbine is expected to provide electricity to Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas,” the Acting Governor stated.
He added that the new power plant at Elebele would serve Kolokuma/Opokuma, Sagbama, and Ekeremor local government areas, reducing the state’s dependence on the national grid.
Ewhrudjakpo further explained that a third power plant is planned to generate and distribute electricity to Nembe, Brass, and Southern Ijaw local government areas.
These initiatives align with the Douye Diri administration’s A.S.S.U.R.E.D Agenda* for improving the power sector in Bayelsa State.
The Acting Governor also apologised to the people of Imiringi over a misunderstanding regarding the state government’s attempt to remove turbine transformers for refurbishment without adequately informing the community.
“This was a regrettable action on the part of the government. The intention was to refurbish the transformers and bring them back to enhance power supply. However, due to communication gaps, the community misunderstood our intention,” he said.
On behalf of the government, Ewhrudjakpo expressed regret over the incident, which he described as a “mix-up” that nearly led to a confrontation.
“We take full responsibility and apologize for the communication lapse,” he added.
Hon. Gabriel Ogbara, Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and representative of Ogbia Constituency 2, commended the Acting Governor for his swift intervention in resolving the issue.
He urged community members to remain cooperative with the government’s efforts.
Chief Naru Okpu, spokesman for the Imiringi Community and a retired Director in the Ministry of Environment, expressed gratitude for the government’s renewed commitment to restoring electricity in the area.
He lauded the Acting Governor’s leadership and described the Kolo Creek gas turbines as a legacy of the late Chief Melford Okilo, which should be preserved.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
