Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, has pledged support for the City Boy Movement (CBM), a youth-focused political advocacy group working to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The governor gave the assurance when members of the group, led by its Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Shoga, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Yenagoa, on Tuesday.
Diri said the group’s vision aligns with his administration’s belief in empowering young people and positioning them as active participants in governance rather than future leaders.
“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,” he said.
He added that investing in young people remains the most effective way to build a stronger and more sustainable nation, noting that youth development should go beyond political activities.
“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,” Diri stated.
The governor also reiterated his long-standing position in favour of a single six-year tenure for presidents and governors, arguing that a four-year term is often insufficient for meaningful governance and assessment of performance.
“While I 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,” he said.
According to him, a single term would allow leaders to focus more on governance, development, and long-term planning without the distraction of political campaigns.
Diri also cautioned against the misuse of youths for political violence, urging groups to channel their energy into productive and peaceful activities.
“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,” he warned.
He further advised opposition actors to embrace constructive engagement rather than resorting to misinformation or inflammatory rhetoric, stressing that democracy thrives on responsibility and dialogue.
The governor also encouraged the group to ensure their planned activities in the state are conducted peacefully and within the bounds of law and order.
In his remarks, CBM Director-General Oluwatosin Shoga said the movement is committed to mobilising and empowering young Nigerians as active stakeholders in national development.
He explained that the group also seeks to build sustained youth engagement in support of President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Shoga commended Governor Diri for what he described as youth-friendly policies and developmental achievements, noting that Bayelsa State has recorded visible progress under his leadership.
He added that President Tinubu had also acknowledged developments in the state during his recent visit, and assured continued collaboration between the movement and the state government in youth development initiatives.
