Diri Cautions Traditional Rulers against Partisanship

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

 The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has once again restated his call on traditional rulers to guard against partisan utterances or getting involved in partisan politics.

While urging them to operate within extant laws, Diri expressed appreciation to the monarchs for the honour bestowed on him and promised that he would always be a good ambassador of the kingdom.

Speaking at rallies in Odi, Opokuma and Sabagreia, Diri said that he was not in Kolokuma/Opokuma to campaign but to thank his people for their support over the years and expressed confidence that on November 11, they will vote overwhelmingly for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

He equally implored the people of the area to maintain the peace before, during and after the election and assured them of more developmental projects.

His words: “We are not in Kolokuma/Opokuma to campaign. We came to greet our people and spend time with them.

“We thank you for your support over the years and we promise not to let you down. We are also confident that you will continue to support us.

“For our traditional rulers, I have been saying it that the traditional institution must not be involved in politics. You can receive and pray for anybody but you should not go beyond that. Traditional rulers should not be partisan.

The monarchs in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Governments Area had before the rallies conferred chieftaincy titles on the Governor Diri and his Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewrudjakpor.

Diri was conferred the title “Olotu Kpekpe 1” (the one and only champion) of Kolokuma/Opokuma while his deputy received the title “Kuro Okpo 1” (Strong one) of Kolokuma/Opokuma.

The conferment ceremony took place at the palace of the Ibedaowei of Kolokuma Kingdom, King Mozi Agara, in Kaiama as Governor Diri rounded off his re-election campaign in Constituency 1 of the local government area on Saturday.

Speaking on behalf of the KOLGA Council of Chiefs, King Agara, who is the chairman, described the duo as blessings to people of the area and that they have felt the positive impact of their leadership.

The monarchs prayed and wished the governor and his deputy well as they go into the governorship election on November 11.