Bayelsa Polls: Obasanjo Throws Weight Behind PDP Candidate, Says State Peaceful, Making Progress Under Diri

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has praised Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for his performance, saying the state is making significant strides in all areas of development.

He particularly commended the governor for consolidating the legacies of his predecessor, Seriake Dickson, which he said contributed to the peace, security and political stability of the state.

Obasanjo stated this, yesterday, during the 12th Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa.The 86-year-old former leader said: “What I saw is more than what I expected. What you have here in Bayelsa that you have to cherish is peace. Comparatively, you have greater peace than other parts of the country. You have security. No peace without security and vice versa.”

“Here you have security, you have peace and you have stability.

“If what is happening here is replicated in all other states in Nigeria, then we will say we have a good country.”In his remarks, Diri expressed appreciation to Obasanjo for honouring and identifying with the people and government of the state.He attributed his achievements largely to the support and cooperation of Bayelsans and to divine grace.

“Bayelsans want peace and development. The former governor laid the foundation upon which we are building and everybody, who comes to the state acknowledges the peace and security. So, we cannot go back to the era of violence, impunity and brigandage. The essence of government is to bring peace, development and progress.

“Today, we have added value to the development of Bayelsa. We are embarking on meaningful projects and programmes and we thank God for His grace to do these things.”

He also appreciated leaders of the state, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom, he noted, would have attended the event if he had not travelled out of the country.

Senator representing Bayelsa West and immediate past governor of the state, Seriake Dickson, appreciated Diri for sustaining the legacies of his administration, particularly the road projects, the thanksgiving, morning devotion in Government House and the monthly praise night.

Dickson said he was a fulfilled man because he successfully handed over power without rancour and the state is peaceful and on the path of development.

The guest preacher, Lazarus Muoka of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, in his sermon, described Bayelsa as a blessed land endowed with mineral resources that were the economic live-wire of the country.

Obasanjo inaugurated the second phase of the ongoing Yenagoa/Oporoma/Ukubie road from Igeibiri to Angiama in Southern Ijaw Local Council. He applauded the developmental efforts of Dr. Jonathan, who started the project, and Dickson for continuing it.

(Guardian, excluding headline)