Call Me Local Champion: Diri's Aide Fires Fresh Salvo At Donald Duke * Alabrah boasts of people-oriented development, says he prefers grassroots impact to 'fake' international recognition

By Majesty Inegbagha

The Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, has lambasted former Cross River State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke over describing Governor Diri as a local champion, declaring that he would rather be a “local champion” who prioritises the welfare of his people than an international figure living a “ sporious life”.

Sen. Douye Diri, Executive Governor, Bàyelsa State.

Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Bàyelsa State.

Alabrah’s latest salvo followed Duke’s description of Governor Douye Diri as a “local champion” over the Bayelsa governor’s defence of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which the former Cross River governor had questioned on account of the challenging terrain of the Niger Delta.

But rather than reject the label, Alabrah embraced it, insisting that being a local champion was a badge of honour for anyone committed to transforming the lives of the people.

In a strongly worded statement, the governor’s spokesman listed infrastructure development, reliable electricity, workers’ welfare, prompt payment of retirement benefits, free education, affordable healthcare and security among the priorities that should define responsible leadership.

“A local champion is one who inspires others by leading from the front. I prefer to be a local champion through changing the developmental narrative about my state,” Alabrah declared.

He said he would rather be identified with projects and policies that directly improve the living conditions of Bayelsans than pursue international recognition disconnected from the needs of ordinary citizens.

“Why would I not be the local champion that not only builds roads to connect my people in our local communities but also provides free tuition, boarding and feeding in the model schools and science and technical colleges in our state?” he asked.

Alabrah further said he would be proud to be called a local champion for supporting the construction of hospitals in riverine communities, providing affordable healthcare and ensuring that residents could sleep peacefully without fear for their safety.

Taking a swipe at those who place a premium on international recognition, he argued that leadership should be defined by humility, peaceful conduct and a genuine understanding of governance rather than arrogance, boastfulness and the pursuit of power.

“I don’t want to be an international champion that is boastful, arrogant and proud. It is better to be a local champion than an international figure that lives a fake life,” he stated.

The governor’s spokesman also questioned the value of international acclaim if it came at the expense of the people or left a state burdened with huge debts and liabilities.

“I don’t want to be the international champion that neglects my roots because I want to be seen as being cosmopolitan. Charity begins at home,” he added.

He concluded with a declaration that underscored his embrace of the controversial label.

“Please call me the Local Champion — the Champion of the People,” Alabrah said.

Diri: Coastal Highway Is Feasible

The argument originated from Duke’s remarks during an interview on Arise Television, in which he questioned the feasibility of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway because of the difficult terrain in parts of the Niger Delta.

The Federal Government-backed project is designed to traverse nine coastal states: Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

Reacting to Duke’s position, Diri expressed disappointment that a former governor from the South-South region would question the viability of such a major infrastructure project because of the geographical challenges of the Niger Delta.

In a statement issued by Alabrah, the governor suggested that Duke’s criticism might have been influenced by political considerations rather than an appreciation of advances in infrastructure development.

Diri maintained that Bayelsa’s experience had demonstrated that swampy terrain was not an insurmountable obstacle to road and bridge construction.

He cited the Nembe-Brass Road, the Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge Road and the Yenagoa-Oporoma Road as examples of major causeways constructed across difficult terrain in the state’s three senatorial districts.

The governor also referenced the 630-metre bridge across River Nun at Angiama community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, alongside dualised roads in New Yenagoa City and the three phases of the dualised Glory Drive.

“Yenagoa is not what Duke described. So, he is wrong. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road is buildable and possible,” Diri declared.

Diri: Highway Will Unlock Niger Delta's Potential

Beyond the engineering argument, Diri described the coastal highway as a strategic infrastructure project capable of opening up economic opportunities, improving connectivity and accelerating development across coastal states and riverine communities.

He said the project was particularly significant to the Ijaw people, who had advocated improved coastal connectivity for decades.

According to the governor, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) had consistently called for a coastal road linking communities across the Niger Delta and other coastal areas since its emergence in the 1990s.

Diri maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was the first to embark on the project after years of demands by the Ijaw people and other coastal communities.

He also disclosed that the coastal highway and other development interests of the Ijaw people were among the considerations behind his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor cautioned politicians against allowing partisan interests, particularly during election seasons, to undermine support for infrastructure projects that could improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

He stressed that the consequences of politicising development initiatives were ultimately borne by the same people politicians sought to win over during elections.