…Bayelsa Gov urges unity, peace, tolerance as cleric calls for accountability, responsible leadership
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has challenged anyone aspiring to succeed him to seek God’s approval, declaring that only a genuinely God-fearing person can lead the state after his tenure.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said Diri spoke on Monday at the state’s 15th Thanksgiving Service held at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, where he reaffirmed his administration’s belief in divine guidance and urged residents to remain united, peaceful and tolerant.
The governor maintained that political ambition alone could not determine who would occupy the state’s highest office, insisting that God’s decision would ultimately prevail.
“All who want to be governor, go and seek the face of God. Anyone who wants to be governor must be God-fearing. If God said yes, nobody can say no, not even me,” he said.
Diri, who said Bayelsa had been committed to God, urged residents to sustain their faith and patience, expressing confidence that the state would continue to make progress through unity and collective commitment to development.
He described the annual thanksgiving as an opportunity to appreciate God for the achievements recorded by his administration and the support it had received from residents over the past six years.
“The Bible itself recognises that it is good to give thanks to the Lord. Today we came to say thank you, Father,” he said.
The governor also defended his administration’s development record, saying residents who had witnessed Bayelsa’s transformation over the years could appreciate the changes taking place.
“As I keep saying, those of us who were born in Yenagoa or know Bayelsa of old can see the difference today. It is enough to give thanks,” he said.
He added that Bayelsa possessed one of the best environments for development in Nigeria, stressing that his administration remained committed to using its political will to improve the lives of the people.
“Dear people of Bayelsa, I thank you also for your support and for standing by this government,” Diri said.
Cleric Urges Christians To Practise Good Citizenship
In his sermon, the guest preacher and former Bayelsa State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, called on Christians to combine their religious convictions with responsible citizenship.
Speaking on the theme, “Called to Be Good Christians and Good Citizens,” Opelema said believers had a dual responsibility to the church and society and must demonstrate their faith through their conduct and service to others.
Drawing from Matthew 22:15–22, which recounts Jesus’ response to a question about paying taxes, the cleric said the instruction to “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God” underscored the importance of fulfilling civic and spiritual obligations.
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He said Christians should uphold sacrifice, prudence, accountability, justice, love, care and charity, particularly when occupying positions of public responsibility.
Opelema lamented that while churches had many worshippers, fewer people consistently demonstrated Christian values in their daily lives.
He urged believers to serve as witnesses, describing them as the salt of the earth and the light of the world, and challenged those holding public offices in Bayelsa and Nigeria to use their positions to serve humanity and reflect their faith.
The cleric also described Bayelsa as richly endowed with natural and human resources, favourable weather, land and rivers, saying the state had the potential to become a major tourism destination.
He expressed optimism that the state could realise its potential under God-fearing leadership.
Lively Oracle Unveiled
A major highlight of the thanksgiving service was the unveiling of a book titled Lively Oracle, which contains scriptural declarations made by the governor during his morning devotions.
The service also featured musical ministrations by gospel artistes and attracted prominent political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, business figures and residents.
Those present included the governor’s wives, Dr Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Diri; Deputy Governor Dr Peter Akpe and his wife, Dr Favour Akpe; and former deputy governors Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd).
Other dignitaries included Senators Konbowei Benson and Benson Agadaga, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Fred Agbedi, and other federal lawmakers representing constituencies in Bayelsa.
Also in attendance were the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr Boladei Igali; Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku; Chairman of Azikel Group, Dr Azipapu Eruani; and former governor David Lyon.
The state’s Chief Judge was represented by the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, while the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly was represented by Deputy Speaker Michael Ogbere.
