Since its creation in 1996, Bayelsa State has been governed by a total of 12 leaders, including both military administrators and civilian governors.

The first person to govern Bayelsa was Naval Captain Phillip Oladipo Ayeni, who held the position for about five months, from October 7, 1996, to February 25, 1997.

[5] Qualifications required for an individual aspiring to become the governor of Rivers State is contained in section 177 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Excluding the deputy governor, they appoint commissioners, heads of government agencies, special advisers and judicial officers subject to the approval of the Bayelsa state house of assembly.

The governor has the duty to attract investments,[7] promote business, secure the lives and property of residents and implement political as well as economic initiatives.

The governor may either sign the bill into law or veto it and return it to the House of Assembly for correction or take no action.

[9] Section 212, subsection (1) and (2) further empowers the Governor to issue pardons and reprieves, commute sentences, or remit fines and forfeitures imposed for the commission of offenses against, or for the violation of the state laws.