The Importance of a God-Fearing Governor to Succeed Gov. Douye Diri
By Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, GUEST WRITER -The comment by His Excellency, the Very Distinguished Senator Douye Diri, during the 15th Annual Thanksgiving Day celebration of Bayelsa State, on the need for a God-fearing successor has continued to generate reactions.
However we choose to argue, interpret or analyse the statement, it all points to the central role and position that Almighty God plays in the affairs of humanity, including the affairs of Bayelsans.
The Bible says: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” (Proverbs 29:2).
Psalm 127 also corroborates and gives further credence to this position when it says: “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
In the next 100 years, generations yet unborn who read the story of Governor Douye Diri may find it difficult to believe that such a humble, unassuming, compassionate, kind-hearted and development-oriented leader once existed. Some may even argue that the story is fictional.
But before then, many will join me in describing him as the LEE KUAN YEW of our time and the FATHER OF THE NEW BAYELSA STATE.
For instance, the description of Senator Douye Diri as a Miracle and Prosperity Governor is not ordinary. Flesh and blood did not reveal these special names.
We must realise that when the light of God shines, darkness disappears. We know how deafening darkness once covered Bayelsa State, but today, the light of God has taken over.
The manifestation of this light is evident in the 60-megawatt brand-new gas turbine project, which is being expanded to 100 megawatts.
It is like a dream or vision that eventually became a reality.
Isaiah 9:2 says: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
Governor Douye Diri represents the light of God.
Bayelsa State is experiencing remarkable socioeconomic and political stability, growth and development under Governor Diri because of the light of God illuminating every part of the state.
Consider the infrastructural development.
Consider the improved security across the state.
Consider the level of reforms, transformation and progress recorded in education, healthcare, sports, workers’ welfare and general well-being, among other sectors.
Bayelsans, who were once sorrowful, hopeless and fearful of the unknown, are now cheerful, hopeful and optimistic about the future.
Therefore, no right-thinking person would want the state to return to Egypt, our dark age.
Importantly, to avoid a return to the ugly past, we must ensure that a God-fearing successor emerges to continue the good works of our God-sent Miracle and Prosperity Governor.
Today, Bayelsa State, which was hitherto associated with violence, is now among the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria. This is due to the Governor’s immeasurable sacrifices and the significant role his body language has continued to play in maintaining peace and security.
His zero tolerance for crime and criminality has contributed immensely to reducing criminal activities to the barest minimum.
If it were possible, we would have scanned or duplicated a replica of His Excellency.
For me, it is a great honour that the Governor of Bayelsa State is ranked among the best-performing governors in Nigeria in the present dispensation.
Here is a unique leader who places a high premium on human lives. He does not believe in using thugs to assault people or destroy the businesses of perceived political opponents.
Under Governor Douye Diri, all Bayelsans are treated with respect and dignity, without discrimination or segregation against any section of the state.
Therefore, Bayelsans need a worthy successor who will sustain this inclusive approach to governance and carry all sections of the state along, just as we have witnessed under the present administration, where every Bayelsan is treated as a critical stakeholder.
Finally, it is our fervent prayer that His Excellency will finish strong and also give Bayelsans a God-fearing successor who will sustain the peace, unity and development of the state.
Chief (Hon.) Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, JP is the Technical Adviser to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State on Media and Public Affairs.
