Diri called on the coordinators to ensure that the foodstuffs get to the less privileged and vulnerable people in the state.
The governor gave the charge during the flag-off of the distribution of the items witnessed by legislators from the state and the National Assembly, local government chairmen and some stakeholders at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.
A statement by the governor’s Acting Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said Diri had directed the eight local chairmen and councillors to demonstrate integrity in the distribution of the foodstuffs and ensure that they cut across political party lines.
“As you go to your various local government areas to distribute these relief materials, make sure that there is no distinction between PDP and APC.
“The COVID-19 pandemic does not know who is PDP or APC. The underlying issue is that they are all Bayelsans. The relief materials should get to all who need them, particularly the downtrodden, because this government is poised to carry everyone along.
“I urge you to ensure that the distribution of these items is successful and done peacefully. Having experienced the first distribution of garri in the state, this time around we are following it up with enough security.
“So, we have invited more personalities and leaders to be part of the distribution process. The security will follow these items to their various local government headquarters.
“We have also invited other leaders to be involved in the distribution of items to their wards and communities,” Diri said.
The governor disclosed that the state had begun the process of setting up its own laboratory and testing centre for viral infections apart from coronavirus.
Diri said he had already approved N60 million for the procurement of equipment for the centre to be established at the Bayelsa Medical University.
He added that officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) would be invited to inspect and certify the centre when it is ready.
The governor enumerated food items procured by his administration to include 6,000 bags of beans, 6,070 bags of garri, 10,750 cartons of noodles and 185 packs of bottled water.
Others, according to him, are 175 cartons of tin tomatoes, 700 cartons of soft drinks, 35 gallons of palm oil, 68 bags of salt, 69 bags of sugar, 38 cartons of seasoning and 70 gallons of vegetable oil.
Diri, who equally highlighted items donated by corporate organisations, expressed gratitude for their gesture and enjoined others to follow suit.
According to him, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board donated to the state government 75 bags of beans, 300 bags of rice, 70 bags of garri, two ambulance vehicles and other pharmaceutical items.
He said 7Up Bottling Company also donated 2,004 packs of bottled water, 8,400 cartons of soft drinks while Mee&Kay Ltd gave 100 cartons of instant noodles.
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