2027: Gov Diri Sets Criteria for Successor, Says only God-Fearing Person Will Succeed Him

*Urges aspirants to seek God's approval, calls for unity, peace and tolerance in Bayelsa

By Majesty Inegbagha

YENAGOA — Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has declared that only a God-fearing person will succeed him as governor, urging all those aspiring to occupy the state's top political office in 2027 to seek God's approval through prayers.

Gov. Douye Diri

Governor Diri made the declaration on Monday during the state's 15th Thanksgiving Service held at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa.

The governor, who did not mention any individual as his preferred successor, maintained that no human being could overturn a decision approved by God, including his own position as the incumbent governor.

He said Bayelsa State had been committed into the hands of God, stressing that the Almighty would always have the final say in the affairs of the state.

According to him, aspiring political leaders must demonstrate genuine fear of God, while the people must continue to embrace unity, tolerance, patience and peaceful coexistence to sustain development.

The governor also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving the living conditions of the people, noting that Bayelsa had enormous development potential which could be harnessed through purposeful leadership and political will.

He expressed appreciation to the people for their continued support and cooperation with his administration over the past six years.

His words: "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 says yes, nobody can say no, not even me.

"Let us continue to worship God. Let us be tolerant and patient, as we will become victorious at the end of the day.

"The Bible itself recognises that it is good to give thanks to the Lord. Today, we came to say, 'Thank you, Father.'

"As I keep saying, those of us who were born in Yenagoa or knew Bayelsa of old can see the difference today. It is enough to give thanks.

"We have one of the best environments in Nigeria, and with the political will we are bringing, development is coming to our people.

"Dear people of Bayelsa, I thank you also for your support and for standing by this government."

In his sermon, the guest preacher and former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Bayelsa State, Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, charged Christians to demonstrate genuine Christian values in their daily lives and public responsibilities.

Very Rev.Joseph Opelema

Speaking on the theme, "Called to Be Good Christians and Good Citizens," Opelema explained that Christians have dual responsibilities as members of the Church and citizens of society.

Drawing his message from Matthew 22:15-22, which recounts how the Pharisees attempted to trap Jesus over the payment of taxes, the cleric highlighted Christ's response: "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God."

He said the biblical passage emphasised the responsibility of Christians to uphold the values of sacrifice, prudence, accountability, justice, love, care and charity wherever they found themselves, particularly those occupying public offices.

The Catholic cleric lamented that although churches were filled with worshippers, only a few consistently demonstrated the true Christian life.

He therefore urged believers to become genuine witnesses of Christ, describing Christians as the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Opelema further challenged Christians to use positions of authority and public responsibility in Bayelsa State and Nigeria to promote good governance, selfless service and the teachings of Christ.

Describing Bayelsa as a state abundantly blessed with natural and human resources, favourable weather conditions, fertile land and rivers, he said the state possessed enormous potential to become a leading tourism destination in Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that with God-fearing leadership and effective utilisation of its resources, Bayelsa could achieve its full development potential.

A major highlight of the thanksgiving service was the unveiling of a book titled "Lively Oracle," which contains scriptural declarations made by Governor Diri during his morning devotional sessions.

The event also featured special musical ministrations by various gospel artistes.

Dignitaries at the service 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 of the state, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd.).

Honourable Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Mrs  Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai at the end of the event.

Also present were Senators representing Bayelsa Central and East Senatorial Districts, Dr. Konbowei Benson and Chief Benson Agadaga; Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi, representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency; Mitema Obordor of Ogbia Federal Constituency; Oforji Oboku of Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency; and Rodney Ambaiowei of Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency.

The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Michael Ogbere.

Other dignitaries included the Chief Judge of the state, represented by the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; Chairman of Azikel Group, Dr. Azipapu Eruani; and former governor of the state, Chief David Lyon.

The gathering also attracted captains of industry, top military commanders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, prominent political figures, indigenes of Bayelsa State and other invited guests.