From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed his administration’s commitment to support the City Boy Movement (CBM) towards actualising its objective of re-electing President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The City Boy Movement is a youth-focused political advocacy group supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
Senator Diri made the pledge when the group led by its Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Shoga, paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa, on Tuesday.
He said the CBM’s vision aligns with that of his administration in nurturing the potential of youths to become leaders of today.
“For us as a state government, we believe that the youths have to be leaders of today and not tomorrow, and you can see that reality reflected in my appointments. My Commissioner for Youth is about one of the youngest in my cabinet.
“I believe that grooming our youths is the best way to have a better Nigeria. Beyond the objective of the movement in returning President Tinubu for a second term, we have to focus on the development of our young people.”
The state’s helmsman also restated his preference for a single term of six years for president and governors, stressing that four years were not adequate for a leader to be assessed on his performance.
“While l was in the National Assembly, we tried to push for a single tenure of six years for the president and governor so that the government will not dissipate so much energy and resources on the issue of re-election. If a leader has six years single term, he would fully concentrate on providing governance, development and progress without unnecessary distractions.”
Diri urged the body to seek ways of empowering the youths through socio-economic activities beyond political engagements, as well as address the problem of political violence whereby youths were used for political thuggery to advance selfish interests.
“I personally abhor the use of youths for very negative actions, be it in the social media or in the political terrain to promote violence, political thuggery and intimidation. This is one issue we must address. Our government is beginning to put a stop to this trend.
“We want a democracy where people can speak and speaking up does not mean insulting elders or the government in power. Being in the opposition means bringing solutions to the table. But, unfortunately, in some situations, opposition members go as far as spreading falsehood in the name of propaganda.”
He advised the group’s members to conduct themselves peacefully during their rally in the state.
In his remarks, the CBM Director-General, Oluwatosin Shoga, explained that the body was committed to mobilising, empowering and strategically positioning young Nigerians as active stakeholders in governance and development of the country.
Shoga said it was also building a strong community and enduring youth engagement in support of the re-election bid of President Tinubu in 2027.
He commended the governor for his youth-focused policies and programmes and for his remarkable achievements in office.
The CBM DG said Bayelsa has witnessed visible developmental progress under Governor Diri, noting that President Tinubu acknowledged this during his recent visit to the state.
He equally assured that the movement will continue to partner the state government to develop the vibrant youths of the state.
