Governor Douye Diri, speaking at the 15th Thanksgiving service of Bayelsa State on Monday, called on anyone hoping to become the next governor to first seek God’s approval through prayer, insisting that only a God‑fearing person can legitimately lead the state.
Addressing a crowd at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, the governor said the state had been handed over to God and that no human power could thwart a leader chosen by the Almighty. He warned that if God affirms a candidate, even he could not object.
What did the governor emphasize about unity?
He appealed for unity, tolerance and peace among Bayelsa residents, describing these virtues as essential for sustainable development. Diri reiterated his administration’s resolve to improve livelihoods, citing the state’s favourable environment and political will as drivers of progress.
What message did the guest preacher deliver?
The service’s guest preacher, Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, former Bayelsa State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, urged Christians to pair their faith with responsible citizenship. Speaking on the theme “Called to be Good Christians and Good Citizens,” he cited Matthew 22:15‑22 to stress the biblical principle of giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.
Opelema called on believers, especially those in public office, to exhibit sacrifice, prudence, accountability, justice, love and charity. He lamented a gap between religious participation and the practice of Christian values, urging the faithful to become the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.”
He also highlighted Bayelsa’s abundant natural and human resources, pleasant climate, fertile land and river networks, suggesting the state could evolve into a tourism hub if guided by God‑fearing leadership.
The thanksgiving ceremony featured the launch of a book titled Lively Oracle, which compiles the governor’s scriptural declarations made during morning devotions, and performances by gospel musicians.
Attendees included Governor Diri’s spouses Dr Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Diri, Deputy Governor Dr Peter Akpe and his wife Dr Favour Akpe, former deputy governors Rt Hon Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), as well as senators representing Bayelsa Central and East, Dr Konbowei Benson and Chief Benson Agadaga.
Also present were the House of Representatives Minority Leader Chief Fred Agbedi, other federal lawmakers, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Speaker’s deputy Michael Ogbere, and the state’s Chief Judge, represented by the President of the Customary Court of Appeal Justice Daniel Ayah.
Additional guests comprised the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum Dr Boladei Igali, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Chairman of Azikel Group Dr Azipapu Eruani, and former governor Chief David Lyon.