Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has expressed appreciation to Bayelsans for their tremendous support of his administration.
Governor Diri spoke on Tuesday during the state’s 10th Annual Thanksgiving Day, the second under his administration.
The governor, who was full of joy for the prevailing peace, stability and unity being enjoyed by the people, thanked leaders and founding fathers of the state for rallying around his administration.
He promised to continue to turn out projects that would uplift the living standards of the people.
He said: “I thank Bayelsans for their love and support to the Prosperity Administration. I also express my profound gratitude to all the leaders of the state, particularly the founding fathers and leaders of thought across the Ijaw nation for rallying round my administration. I’m overwhelmed with joy for the peaceful disposition of Bayelsans towards my administration.
“I would like to also express my appreciation to the legislature, the judiciary and members of my cabinet for the warm and cordial working relationship among us. I must say that this is really heartwarming and I assure you that the Prosperity Government will continue to embark on projects that would endear the people more to our government.
He applauded the immediate past governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, for initiating the Thanksgiving Day celebration and for putting up the magnificent Ecumenical Centre, which has become the rallying ground every November 2 for people to appreciate God for His manifold blessings.
The programme attracted Bayelsans and other prominent Nigerians, who turned out in large numbers.
Speaking at the event, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, represented by Chaplain of the Aso Rock Chapel, Pastor Seyi Malomo, commended Governor Diri, stating that the developmental strides witnessed in the state attested to the presence of God as a result of the recognition accorded Him.
He prayed God to continue to bless the state for recognising His supremacy.
In his remarks, Senator Seriake Dickson, who came with his wife, Dr. Rachael Dickson, also appreciated Diri for continuing with programmes and projects his administration initiated.
He urged Bayelsans to pray for the governor and his team to stay focused and courageous in their quest to develop Bayelsa.
Describing leadership as a relay, he said one governor alone cannot solve the problems of the state, and urged the people not to allow rumour mongering and propaganda to derail the present administration.
Also speaking, former governor of old Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada-George, said Bayelsans have reasons to thank God as it has produced prominent leaders in the country, including former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said God has used Diri to foster unity and understanding among the people and the Ijaw nation, and advised the state to depend only on God for its progress.
Guest preacher at the event, Rev. Uma Ukpai, made prophetic declarations and proclaimed healing and blessings on the people of the state and land of Bayelsa.
Making reference to the scriptures, he urged Bayelsans to draw closer to God to experience supernatural increase.
Among dignitaries at the service were the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, speaker of the state assembly, Abraham Ingobere, chief judge of the state, Justice Kate Abiri and judges of the state high court.
Others were wife of a former governor of the state, Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha, members of the National Assembly representing the state, immediate past deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd), first military governor of old Rivers state and chairman of the Bayelsa Council of Traditional Rulers, King Alfred Diete-Spiff as well as other royal fathers.
Also in attendance were national and state Peoples Democratic Party stalwarts, clergymen, president of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof Benjamin Okaba as well as the president, Ijaw Youth Council, Comrade Peter Igbifa.