Governor of Bayelsa State
| Governor of Bayelsa State | |
|---|---|
since 14 February 2020 | |
| Executive Branch of the Bayelsa State Government | |
| Style | His Excellency |
| Member of | Executive Council of Bayelsa State |
| Residence | Creek Heaven |
| Seat | Yenagoa |
| Appointer | Direct Popular Vote |
| Term length | Four years, renewable once |
| Inaugural holder | Phillip Ayeni |
| Formation | 1 October 1996 |
| Deputy | Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State |
| Salary | ₦5,623,705 (2020) |
| Website | https://bayelsastate.gov.ng/ |
The Governor of Bayelsa State functions as both the chief security officer and the chief executive of the state government. As one of the governors of Nigeria’s thirty-six states, the governor and the deputy governor are elected by popular vote for a four-year term, with a maximum of two terms.
Acting as the head of the executive branch, the governor has the authority to appoint or remove commissioners in charge of various state ministries, as well as the heads of parastatals and state-owned agencies responsible for regulatory and administrative duties. Judicial appointments are also made by the governor, based on recommendations from the State Judicial Service Commission. The governor is constitutionally prohibited from being a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
As the highest-ranking official within the executive branch, the Governor of Bayelsa State wields considerable influence over the administration of the state. Similar to other presidential systems, the governor serves as both the head of government and the head of state. The governor presides over the State Executive Council and has the power to appoint, dismiss, or reappoint its members, excluding the deputy governor, at their discretion. Additionally, the governor may sign bills passed by the State House of Assembly into law or veto them. However, if the governor neither signs nor vetoes a bill within 30 days, it automatically becomes law.
The Bayelsa State House of Assembly can override the governor’s veto with a two-thirds majority vote, and the same majority is required to initiate the impeachment of either the governor or the deputy governor. In instances where the governor is unable to perform their duties, the deputy governor assumes the role of Acting Governor until the governor resumes or a new governor is elected.
Since its creation in 1996, Bayelsa State has been governed by a total of 12 leaders, including both military administrators and civilian governors. As of 2024, the incumbent governor and 12th governor is Senator Douye Diri, who assumed office on February 14, 2020.