List of governors of Bayelsa State facts for kids

Bayelsa State is a state in Nigeria. It was created in 1996 from part of Rivers State. Like other states in Nigeria, Bayelsa State has leaders who manage its affairs. These leaders are called either "Administrators" or "Governors." An Administrator is usually a military officer who leads the state during a time when the military is in charge of the country. A Governor is an elected leader chosen by the people of the state through voting.

Leaders of Bayelsa State

This section lists the important people who have led Bayelsa State since it was formed. They helped shape the state and guide its development.

Early Leaders: Administrators

When Bayelsa State was first created, Nigeria was under military rule. This meant that the leaders of the states were appointed by the military government, not elected by the people. These leaders were called Administrators.

• Phillip Ayeni served as the first Administrator of Bayelsa State. He took office on 7 October 1996 and left on 28 February 1997.
• Habu Daura followed as Administrator, serving from 28 February 1997 to 27 June 1997.
• Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade was the next Administrator. He led the state from 27 June 1997 to 9 July 1998.
• Paul Obi was the last Administrator before Nigeria returned to civilian rule. He served from 9 July 1998 until 29 May 1999.

Elected Leaders: Governors

In May 1999, Nigeria returned to a democratic system, where citizens could vote for their leaders. Since then, Bayelsa State has been led by elected Governors. These Governors belong to political parties, which are groups of people with similar ideas about how to run the government.

• Diepreye Alamieyeseigha became the first elected Governor of Bayelsa State. He took office on 29 May 1999 and served until 9 December 2005. He was a member of the PDP.
• Goodluck Jonathan took over as Governor on 9 December 2005. He served until 29 May 2007. He was also from the PDP.
• Timipre Sylva became Governor on 29 May 2007. He served until 16 April 2008. He was a member of the PDP.
• Werinipre Seibarugo served as an Acting Governor for a short time, from 16 April 2008 to 27 May 2008. He stepped in when Governor Sylva's election was cancelled for a while.
• Timipre Sylva was re-elected and returned as Governor on 27 May 2008. He continued to lead the state until 27 January 2012. He remained a member of the PDP.
• Nestor Binabo served as an Acting Governor from 27 January 2012 to 14 February 2012. He took over when Governor Sylva's time in office ended due to a court decision.
• Henry Dickson became Governor on 14 February 2012. He served two full terms, leaving office on 14 February 2020. He was a member of the PDP.
• Duoye Diri is the current Governor of Bayelsa State. He took office on 14 February 2020. He is a member of the PDP. He was confirmed as Governor by the Supreme Court after the election.

See also

• States of Nigeria
• List of state governors of Bayelsa