Have you ever wondered who led Bayelsa State since its creation in 1996? This comprehensive guide provides a complete list of past and present governors, with details on their tenures and parties.
As a resource for anyone interested in Bayelsa State’s political history, we’ll look at the governors’ terms, from the first civilian governor to the current administration.
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Complete List Of Past And Present Governors Of Bayelsa State
Name | Began Tenure | Ended Tenure | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
Phillip Ayeni | 7 October 1996 | 28 February 1997 | Military |
Habu Daura | 28 February 1997 | 27 June 1997 | Military |
Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade | 27 June 1997 | 9 July 1998 | Military |
Paul Obi | 9 July 1998 | 29 May 1999 | Military |
Diepreye Alamieyeseigha | 29 May 1999 | 9 December 2005 | PDP |
Goodluck Jonathan | 9 December 2005 | 29 May 2007 | PDP |
Timipre Sylva | 29 May 2007 | 16 April 2008 | PDP |
Werinipre Seibarugo | 16 April 2008 | 27 May 2008 | |
Timipre Sylva | 27 May 2008 | 27 January 2012 | PDP |
Nestor Binabo | 27 January 2012 | 14 February 2012 | |
Henry Dickson | 14 February 2012 | 14 February 2020 | PDP |
Duoye Diri | 14 February 2020 | Incumbent | PDP |
Who Was The First Governor Of Bayelsa State?
The first governor of Bayelsa State in Nigeria was Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, commonly known as D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha.
He held this position from May 29, 1999, until December 9, 2005. Born on November 16, 1952, in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Alamieyeseigha attended Bishop Dimeari Grammar School in Yenagoa.
His career path led him to join the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1974 as a Cadet Officer, and later he served in the Nigerian Air Force’s Logistics and Supply department. Rising through the ranks, he retired from the Air Force in 1992 as a Squadron Leader.
After leaving the military, Alamieyeseigha served in different capacities, including as the Sole Administrator of Pabod Supplies Port Harcourt and later as the Head of Budget, Planning, Research, and Development at the National Fertiliser Company (NAFCON).
Politically, he was affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and won the gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa State in both 1999 and 2003.
Alamieyeseigha’s tenure as governor ended in 2005. However, his political career was marred by controversy, including allegations of corruption and money laundering.
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Who Is The Current Governor Of Bayelsa State?
The current governor of Bayelsa State is Douye Diri. He assumed office on 14 February 2020, succeeding Seriake Dickson.
Douye Diri is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and has been serving as governor since 2020. Before becoming governor, he served as a senator for Bayelsa Central Senatorial District from June 2019 to February 2020.
Diri’s political career began in Bayelsa, where he attended primary and secondary schools. He furthered his education at the College of Education, Port-Harcourt, and the University of Port-Harcourt, obtaining a Bachelor of Education degree in political science.
Diri’s path to the governorship faced legal challenges after the 2019 Bayelsa State gubernatorial elections. However, following a Supreme Court ruling, he was issued a certificate of return and sworn in as governor on 14 February 2020.
Despite subsequent legal proceedings, Diri has remained in office, with a court of appeal confirming his governorship in October 2020.
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Who Is The Current Deputy Governor Of Bayelsa State?
The current Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State is Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo. He has held this position since 2020.
Ewhrudjakpo, born on September 5, 1965, is a prominent Nigerian politician who previously served as the senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District from 2019 to 2020. He hails from Ofoni in Sagbama, Bayelsa State.
Ewhrudjakpo’s educational background includes completing his secondary education at Community Secondary School, Ofoni, and obtaining degrees in secretarial administration, business administration, and law from various institutions, including Rivers State University of Science and Technology.
He was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Rights and Labour Law by the same university in December 2023.
Ewhrudjakpo’s political career includes winning the PDP Bayelsa West primary election in October 2018 and subsequently serving as the running mate to Douye Diri in the Bayelsa state governorship election.
Following a Supreme Court ruling in February 2020, he assumed the role of Deputy Governor. Despite facing allegations, including accusations of forgery of a National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) certificate, Ewhrudjakpo continues to hold his position in Bayelsa State’s government.