Bayelsa Agog as Diri’s Second Term Inauguration Ceremony Begins

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

Bayelsa State residents yesterday trooped out in large numbers to the state’s Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, to commence the second tenure inauguration of the state Governor, Douye Diri, which kicked off yesterday with a thanksgiving service.

Thousands of Bayelsans thronged the state’s Ecumenical Centre in appreciation to God for the governor’s victory in the November 11, 2023, poll.

Governor Diri and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, will be sworn in for another term on February 14.

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 possible.

A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying that God delivered Bayelsa State from the hands of those who wrongly use power.

Diri thanked the people of the state for standing by him throughout his first tenure and during the election,

The state governor assured the people that he would not rest on his first term achievements but will do more in the next four years, as he appealed for their usual support.

According to him, “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 would perform better during his second tenure, and urged the people of the state to support him.

In his sermon, the 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 the state.