Diri to Bayelsa Governorship Aspirants: ‘Go and Seek the Face of God’
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has challenged politicians aspiring to succeed him to seek God’s face and approval, declaring that anyone who wants to govern the state must be God-fearing.
Diri made the call on Monday during the state’s 15th Annual Thanksgiving Service at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa.
Addressing worshippers and political stakeholders at the event, the governor declared that no individual could frustrate anyone chosen by God to lead the state.
“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.
The governor maintained that Bayelsa had been committed to God’s hands and that the Almighty would continue to have the final say in the affairs of the state.
He also urged residents to sustain the values of unity, tolerance, patience and peaceful coexistence, noting that these were essential to achieving meaningful development.
Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of the people, expressing confidence that Bayelsa’s natural endowments, combined with the political will of the government, would accelerate development.
He thanked the people for their support over the past six years, adding that those who knew the state before his administration could appreciate the changes recorded.
“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 stated.
Earlier, the guest preacher, Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, a former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Bayelsa, delivered a sermon titled, “Called to Be Good Christians and Good Citizens.”
Drawing his message from Matthew 22:15-22, which contains Jesus’ instruction to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God, Opelema said Christians have dual responsibilities as members of the church and citizens of society.
The cleric urged Christians, particularly those occupying public offices, to demonstrate accountability, justice, sacrifice, prudence, love, compassion and charity in their dealings with others.
He lamented that although many people attend church services, only a few consistently demonstrate Christian values in their daily lives.
Opelema challenged believers to become the salt of the earth and light of the world, stressing that public positions should be used to serve humanity and demonstrate the teachings of Christ.
He also described Bayelsa as a state richly endowed with natural and human resources, favourable weather conditions, land and waterways, which could position it as a major tourism destination in Nigeria.
The cleric expressed optimism that the state could realise its development potential under God-fearing leadership.
A major highlight of the thanksgiving service was the unveiling of a book titled Lively Oracle, containing scriptural declarations made by Governor Diri during his morning devotions.
The event also featured musical performances by various gospel artistes.
Among dignitaries present were the governor’s wives, Dr Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Diri; Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, and his wife, Dr Favour Akpe; former deputy governors Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd); and senators representing Bayelsa Central and East, Konbowei Benson and Benson Agadaga.
Others included Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi; members of the National Assembly representing various constituencies in the state; Deputy Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Michael Ogbere; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah; and National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr Boladei Igali.
Also present were 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.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, captains of industry, military commanders and residents from across the state also attended the annual thanksgiving service.
