Get Guardian on GoogleGovernor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has asked anyone eyeing the office of governor of the state to prayerfully seek the face and approval of God as only a truly God-fearing individual can succeed him.
Speaking during the state’s 15th thanksgiving at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene-Yenagoa on Monday, Governor Diri stated that nobody can say no to anyone okayed by God.
In a press statement by his chief press secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the Governor said Bayelsa had been handed over to God, maintaining that the Almighty will always have the final say on affairs of the state.
The governor stressed the need for people of the state to remain united, tolerant and peaceful, saying that it was the only way Bayelsa can witness the much needed development.
The state’s helmsman reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to continue to impact on the lives of the people positively and that it had the political will to transform the state, which he said had one of the best environments for development.
He thanked the people for standing by his administration in the last six years plus.
His words: “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.
“Let us continue to worship God. Let us be tolerant and patient as we will become victorious the end of the day.
“The Bible itself recognises that it is good to give thanks to the Lord. Today we came to say thank you Father.
“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.
“We have one of the best environments in Nigeria and with the political will we are bringing development to our people.
“Dear people of Bayelsa, I thank you also for your support and for standing by this government.”
In a sermon, the guest preacher and former state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, who spoke on the theme: “Called to be Good Christians and Good Citizens,” said Christians hold dual citizenship – citizens of the church and citizens of the society.
Drawing his message from Matthew 22:15-22, where the Pharisees attempted to trap Jesus on payment of tax, he said His response: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God” underscored the call for Christians to be good citizens.
According to the Catholic cleric, the Bible passage, which he said had often been misinterpreted, emphasised that Christians must bring the virtues of sacrifice, prudence, accountability, justice, love, care and charity to bear wherever they find themselves, especially in public office.
He lamented that there were many worshippers today but few live the Christian life, stressing that Jesus called on believers to be witnesses, salt of the earth, light of the world, and to use any public position in Bayelsa and Nigeria to serve and witness to Christ.
Rev. Opelema described Bayelsa as abundantly blessed with natural and human resources, good weather, land and rivers, capable of making it a tourism hub in Nigeria, adding that with a God-fearing leader, the state would in no time attain its full potential.
High points of the service were the unveiling of a book: “Lively Oracle” containing the scriptural declarations of the governor during morning devotions, and song ministrations by various Gospel artistes.
Present at the event were the wives of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Diri, the deputy governor, Dr. Peter Akpe and his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe, and former deputy governors of the state, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd).
Also present were Senators representing Bayelsa Central and East senatorial districts, Dr. Konbowei Benson and Chief Benson Agadaga, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi (representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency), Mitema Obordor (Ogbia Fed Constituency), Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma), Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw) and Speaker of the House of Assembly represented by the Deputy Speaker, Michael Ogbere.
Others were the state’s Chief Judge represented by President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah; National Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr. Boladei Igali; Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; Chairman, Azikel Group, Dr. Azipapu Eruani; Chief David Lyon among captains of industry, service and top military commanders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and a large number of citizens of the state and other guests.
