2027: Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Urges Successor Aspirants to Seek God’s Approval

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged politicians aspiring to succeed him to seek God’s approval, insisting that the state’s next governor must be a God-fearing person.

Diri made the call on Tuesday during the state’s 15th Thanksgiving service held at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa.

The governor said nobody could overturn a decision made by God, adding that Bayelsa remained committed to seeking divine guidance and that God would have the final say in the affairs of 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,” Diri said.

He also urged residents to embrace unity, tolerance and patience, describing these values as essential to peaceful coexistence and the state’s development.

Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of residents, saying his government had the political will to drive development in Bayelsa, which he described as having one of the best environments in Nigeria.

Reflecting on the state’s progress, the governor said residents who had lived in Yenagoa for many years could appreciate the changes that had taken place.

“As I keep saying, 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 said.

He also thanked the people of the state for supporting his administration over the past six years.

The guest preacher, former Bayelsa State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, delivered a sermon titled “Called to be Good Christians and Good Citizens.”

Drawing from Matthew 22:15-22, Opelema reflected on the biblical account in which the Pharisees attempted to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes.

He said Jesus’ response, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God,” highlighted the responsibility of Christians to be responsible members of society.

The cleric, who described Christians as having dual citizenship in the church and the wider society, said the passage emphasised the need for believers to demonstrate sacrifice, prudence, accountability, justice, love, care and charity, particularly when occupying public positions.

Opelema expressed concern that while many people attended church services, fewer consistently practised Christian values. He urged believers to become witnesses of their faith by serving as the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

He also called on Christians occupying positions of public responsibility in Bayelsa and Nigeria to use their offices to serve others and demonstrate their faith through their actions.

Describing Bayelsa as richly endowed with natural and human resources, favourable weather, land and rivers, the cleric said the state had the potential to become a major tourism destination. He added that God-fearing leadership could help the state realise its potential.

Highlights of the thanksgiving service included the unveiling of a book titled Lively Oracle, containing scriptural declarations made by the governor during morning devotions, as well as musical performances by gospel artistes.

Those in attendance included the governor’s wives, Dr Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Diri; Deputy Governor Dr Peter Akpe and his wife, Dr Favour Akpe; and former deputy governors Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd.).

Also present were senators representing Bayelsa Central and East, Dr Konbowei Benson and Chief Benson Agadaga; Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi; and other members of the National Assembly representing constituencies in the state.

The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly was represented by Deputy Speaker Michael Ogbere, while the Chief Judge was represented by the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah.

Other dignitaries included the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr Boladei Igali; 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, Chief David Lyon.

Captains of industry, senior military officers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, residents and other guests also attended the event.