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| Photo credit — Goodluck Jonathan |
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri have publicly acknowledged the late General Sani Abacha for the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996, describing it as a pivotal moment for the Ijaw people.
The tributes came during events marking the state’s 30th anniversary in Yenagoa. Bayelsa was carved out of the former Rivers State on 1 October 1996 as one of the states established during Abacha’s military administration. For many in the predominantly Ijaw state, the creation addressed long-standing concerns about political representation and identity after the ethnic group had been spread across multiple states as minorities.
Jonathan’s remarks on progress and gratitude
Speaking at the anniversary celebration and awards ceremony on Thursday night, Jonathan reflected on the benefits that followed statehood even while acknowledging ongoing challenges.
“Although we have not reached where we are supposed to be, I am happy where we are. I am happy that Bayelsa State was created, and we have gained tremendously,” he said. “Most people might not know, we have gained tremendously following the creation of the state.
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“Bayelsans will always remain grateful to late Gen. Sani Abacha who made it possible for Bayelsa to be among the last six states he created.”
Jonathan dedicated the award he received to his late political mentor and former Bayelsa governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. He credited Alamieyeseigha with bringing him into politics by selecting him as deputy governor. He also praised Governor Diri for organising the anniversary and recognising contributors to the state’s creation and development.
Governor Diri’s perspective
Governor Douye Diri similarly expressed appreciation on behalf of the Ijaw people. He described the 1996 creation as an important historical milestone that helped address years of political marginalisation.
“If at every point in my remarks I keep calling him, it is because of what God used him to do for the Ijaw ethnic nationality,” Diri said. “As I said yesterday, General Abacha might mean different things to different people, but to Bayelsans, he is the one who freed us from oppression.
“He freed us from injustice and gave a homogenous state for a people that had been balkanised into various states, and making us minority in some.”
Diri emphasised that while perceptions of Abacha vary across Nigeria, Bayelsans specifically recognise the decision that provided them with a state of their own.
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Other honourees
The anniversary awards also recognised several historical and contemporary figures linked to Bayelsa’s journey. These included the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and former military administrators of the state: the late Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), Navy Captain Phillip Ayeni (rtd), Police Commissioner Habu Daura (rtd), and Colonel Edor Obi (rtd). Former Governor and senator Seriake Dickson was among those honoured as well.
Broader context
Bayelsa’s creation formed part of a wider state-creation exercise in 1996. For the Ijaw nation, it represented the culmination of decades of advocacy for greater political autonomy and a distinct homeland in the Niger Delta. Over the past three decades the state has developed institutions, infrastructure, and a clearer political identity, even as residents and leaders continue to discuss remaining developmental priorities such as roads, power, and economic diversification.
The anniversary events brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, and members of Abacha’s family, underscoring the lasting local significance attached to the 1996 decision.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
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