TheCable

Duoye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, has appointed Friday Benson, a former speaker of the state house of assembly, as secretary to the state government.

Daniel Alabrah, the governor’s acting chief press secretary, announced this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the governor also appointed Irorodamie Komonibo as principal secretary, Benson Agadaga as the governor’s chief of staff, while Peter Akpe was appointed as his deputy.

According to the statement, the appointments are with immediate effect.

David Lyon, Diri’s All Progressives Congress (APC) rival, was preparing for inauguration when the supreme court sacked him on the grounds that Biobarakuma Degi-Eremieoyo, his running mate, presented forged certificates to INEC.

Following the ruling, INEC issued a certificate of return to Diri, and he was later sworn in as the fifth civilian governor of Bayelsa.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan had expressed his support for Diri, saying he will deliver.

Diri was a commissioner when Jonathan succeeded Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as governor of Bayelsa.