Diri Signs Disability, BMUTH Bills Into Law, Dissolves Bayelsa United Board

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has signed two significant bills into law during the 188th State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Yenagoa, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to social inclusion, healthcare development, and institutional strengthening.

Hotnews gathered that the newly enacted laws are the Bayelsa State Agency for People with Disability Law and the Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital (BMUTH) Law.

The bill establishing the Agency for People with Disability was a private member bill sponsored by Dr. Charles Daniel, who represents Brass Constituency One in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. The legislation is aimed at promoting the welfare, rights, and inclusion of persons living with disabilities across the state.

Presenting the bills for gubernatorial assent, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, explained that the disability law was designed to protect persons with disabilities from discrimination, abuse, neglect, and other forms of harmful treatment in society.

According to the Speaker, the establishment of the agency will provide a structured framework for addressing the needs and concerns of people living with disabilities while ensuring equal opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, and public participation.

Speaking shortly after signing the bills into law, Governor Diri emphasized that the disability law represents a major step towards building a more inclusive society where every citizen enjoys equal rights and opportunities irrespective of physical limitations.

The governor stated that people living with disabilities deserve dignity, respect, and protection under the law, stressing that discrimination against them in any form would no longer be tolerated.

He noted that the legislation aligns with both national and international standards on the rights of persons with disabilities and reflects his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no segment of society is left behind in the state’s development agenda.

Governor Diri also signed into law the Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital Bill, a move expected to strengthen medical education, healthcare delivery, and research within the state.

The law provides the legal framework for the operation and management of the Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital, which is expected to serve as a major referral centre for specialized healthcare services while also supporting the training of medical students and healthcare professionals.

The governor expressed confidence that the teaching hospital would further enhance the state’s healthcare infrastructure and contribute significantly to the development of quality medical manpower.

In a separate development during the Executive Council meeting, Governor Diri announced the dissolution of the Board and Management of Bayelsa United Football Club following the club’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to the lower division.

The governor said the decision became necessary due to the club’s inability to meet performance expectations despite the substantial resources and support provided by the state government.

He expressed disappointment over the team’s poor outing, noting that government had consistently invested funds and other resources to ensure the club remained competitive at the highest level of Nigerian football.

According to him, the relegation of Bayelsa United was unacceptable considering the level of support extended to the club, adding that accountability must be upheld in the management of public institutions and state-sponsored organizations.

Governor Diri assured sports enthusiasts and football supporters in the state that the government would take immediate steps to reposition the club and restore it to the elite division of Nigerian football.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to excellence, accountability, and service delivery across all sectors, stressing that every government institution must justify the confidence and resources entrusted to it by the people of Bayelsa State.

The 188th State Executive Council meeting thus marked a significant milestone in the state’s legislative and administrative activities, with the signing of two impactful laws and decisive action aimed at revitalizing the fortunes of Bayelsa United Football Club.

~ Hot News Reporters
Thursday, 11, June, 2026