The administration of Senator Douye Diri commemorated its sixth anniversary on Saturday, February 14, with a thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene.

This year’s celebration was subdued in observance of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away.

At the service, Governor Diri paid tribute to his late deputy, noting that Ewhrudjakpo began the journey with him in 2020.

Reading the sole Bible lesson from Psalm 23:1-6, Diri thanked Bayelsans and other arms of government for their support, which he said contributed to the successes achieved by his administration.

He urged citizens to embrace unity, tolerance, and reconciliation for the development of the state.

“All we need to do is to unite and harness the human and material resources that abound in our state for our collective benefits. Bayelsa is so blessed with oil and gas and so much more.

“Now we are changing the narrative about Bayelsa’s difficult terrain by building roads to open up our hinterland and connecting communities and we are still awarding more contracts.

“God had a plan for bringing me to the APC from the PDP. Let us keep uniting and speak with one voice and we pray that God will bring another God-fearing leader that will perform better than me,” he said.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri’s emergence as governor as divine intervention.

“I am very happy to be here to celebrate your sixth year in office. A lot of people may not know why you are called the ‘Miracle Governor.’ You are in fact one of the few miracles I have seen in my life.

“As I listened to the preacher, what he said about Psalm 127 was very instructive concerning what happened to us in the All Progressives Congress before today. He said except the Lord builds, the man who builds does so in vain. We in APC then built in vain.

“Just like what the Bible says, no matter what you do, the Lord gives power to whoever He wants. So no man can ascend to any office without God.

“I say so because myself, Chief Timipre Sylva, Chief David Lyon, and all of us were building, thinking that APC would take over Bayelsa in 2015. But because God was not building with us, we built in vain.

“Today, under your leadership, all of us are gathered here. That is why I am saying in church that no matter what you do, it is God that gives power to whoever He wants. Only God made you governor.”

Similarly, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku praised Diri for enthroning peace in the state, saying this facilitated development initiatives.

“One legacy that no one can take away from you is the enthronement of peace and stability. Your administration has also ensured the amalgamation of all political parties into one. I pray God that you will finish strong,” Ogbuku stated.

Dr. Mitema Obordor described Diri’s six years of leadership as visionary, impactful, and exceptional.

Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (retd.) highlighted the construction of the Nembe-Brass road, noting that it restored peace and unity while reducing piracy and kidnapping.

In a sermon, the Lead Pastor of The Refined People’s Assembly, Daddy-Ken Bitere, spoke on God’s faithfulness as the source of success, emphasizing that government achievements are channels through which God meets the needs of the people. He prayed for continued divine guidance for Governor Diri.

Dignitaries at the service included former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan; wives of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Diri; Senator Sunday Katung included Senators Benson Agadaga and Konbowei Benson, and House members Chief Fred Agbedi, Oforji Oboku, and others.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former deputy governor Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, chairman of the state Traditional Rulers Council King Bubaraye Dakolo, Managing Director of Niger Delta Basin Development Authority Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, APC caretaker chairman Dr. Dennis Otiotio, and Chief David Lyon, among others. (The PUNCH)