Bayelsa State residents yesterday trooped out in their numbers as the second tenure inauguration of Governor Douye Diri kicked off with a thanksgiving service.
Thousands of well-dressed Bayelsans thronged the state’s Ecumenical Centre at Igbogene in appreciation to God for the governor’s victory in the November 11, 2023 poll.
Governor Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, will be sworn in for another term on February 14, 2024.
Speaking during the thanksgiving service, the governor expressed gratitude to God for his victory in the November election, saying without His intervention, it would not have been impossible.
A statement by his chief press secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying that God delivered Bayelsa from the hands of those who wrongly use power.
Diri thanked people of the state for standing by him throughout his first tenure and during the election.
The state’s helmsman assured that he will not rest on his first term achievements but will do more in the next four years while appealing for their usual support.
His words: “Our duty here is to thank God for the victory He gave us. If not for him we would not have emerged victorious. I thank God for delivering this state from the hands of those who use it for evil.
“I also thank God for the peace, unity and love in Bayelsa State. Thank you all for your support. We will continue to serve you.”
In their goodwill messages, a former acting governor and speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Werinepere Seibarugu, immediate past deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), and member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor federal constituency, Dr Fred Agbedi, who spoke on behalf of the House of Representatives Caucus, all described the governor’s victory as divine and lauded his performance in office in his first tenure.
The trio expressed optimism that he will perform better during his second tenure and urged people of the state to support him.
In his sermon, presiding overseer of the House of Grace International Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, said Diri was chosen by God who chooses leaders.
Zikiye-Aggrey stressed that the thanksgiving was not only for the governor but for the entire state because of God’s mercy towards Bayelsa.
Dignitaries in attendance included wife of former Nigerian president, Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of the first civilian governor of the state, Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, senator representing Kaduna South, Sunday Katung, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce as well as speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere and members of the state legislator.
Other National Assembly members, former Peoples Democratic Party national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, were also present as well as service commanders, traditional rulers, and religious leaders among others.