The administration of Douye Diri on Saturday marked its sixth anniversary with a thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Bayelsa State, choosing a subdued celebration in honour of the late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
According to a statement by the Press Secretary to the State Governor, Daniel Alabrah, the event was devoid of the usual fanfare. Governor Diri explained that the decision was taken to respect the memory of his departed deputy, who began the administration’s journey with him in 2020.
During the service, the governor read from Psalm 23:1–6 and expressed gratitude to Bayelsans and the various arms of government for their support over the years. He said the successes recorded by his administration were made possible through collective effort, unity and divine guidance. He urged the people to continue embracing togetherness, tolerance and reconciliation for the overall development of the state.
Diri noted that Bayelsa is richly blessed with oil, gas and other resources, stressing the need to harness them effectively. He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly road construction aimed at opening up riverine communities and improving connectivity across the state. Reflecting on his political journey, he described his emergence as divinely ordained and encouraged citizens to remain united.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri’s emergence as a divine intervention. He said the governor’s rise to office was one of the political miracles he had witnessed, emphasising that leadership ultimately comes from God and not man.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, commended the administration for enthroning peace and stability in the state, noting that the prevailing harmony has facilitated development initiatives.
Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council and former Deputy Governor, Gboribiogha John-Jonah, praised Diri’s leadership style and infrastructural strides, particularly the Nembe–Brass road project, which he said has improved security and strengthened unity in the area.
In his sermon, Lead Pastor of The Refined People’s Assembly, Daddy-Ken Bitere, spoke on the faithfulness of God, urging continued acknowledgement of God as the source of success and progress. He prayed for sustained divine guidance for the governor and the state.
Dignitaries at the event included Nigeria’s former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, members of the National Assembly from Bayelsa State, state lawmakers, traditional rulers, political stakeholders and other top government officials.
