Diri’s Achievements Celebrated Beyond Bayelsa, Says Rivers Monarch

Commendation and royal blessings for the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, came from Omoku in Rivers State on Monday as the Oba of Ogbaland in Rivers State, King Nwachukwu Nnam Obi lll, led a delegation of the Ogbaland Council of Chiefs on a visit to Government House, Yenagoa. 

The monarch said the Bayelsa Governor’s good performance and achievements were not only being celebrated at home but also in his kingdom. 

He also stated that as their son-in-law, married to their daughter, Dr. Gloria Diri, they keep track of his performance from their domain.

The King praised the Governor for his human capital development schemes as well as the infrastructural turnaround being witnessed across the state. 

He stressed that if Governor Diri was a failure, he would not have visited him and that he had made them proud with his performance.

Quoting Isaiah 43:12-13, the royal father stated that he had the leading to bring a message of encouragement to the Governor that the battles ahead had been taken care of and he should rest assured of victory.

He said: “We that are afar celebrate you. We thank you for the many roads and bridges you have built and for the human capital development. I would not have come into this state with a bold face if you had been a failure. But we came to our own son that has made us proud." 

“Having been directed by God, we are also here to tell you that the mountains were brought down, and they who must be at the summit will climb to it. To also tell you that He has gone forth and His mighty hands already established." 

“So, we did not come to do anything else other than to encourage you and show you the right path to follow in your leadership of Bayelsa State.”

He advised that the Governor would not be able to solve all the problems of the people but he should rather make good use of state resources on meaningful projects.

Responding, Governor Douye Diri thanked King Nnam Obi III for honouring him and blessing the state with his esteemed presence.

The Governor commended the leadership style of the Oba of Ogbaland, stressing that in this age and time, no one could do without the counsel of God. 

He also thanked the king for his reassuring words of wisdom, encouragement and prayers.

Diri described the long-standing historical relationship between Ogbaland and Bayelsa, particularly with the Ijaws, as very cordial and assured that the peace, love and brotherliness would continue.

He said: “I know what it means for the Oba to leave his kingdom. You came here as a king to bless Bayelsa because by blessing me, you have blessed the state."

“You ascended the throne with a different dimension. Your fathers had been there before you but you took this throne to God and I am one person who believes that whatever you give God to keep, He will keep it well for you."

“We are currently facing a second tenure election and it still would have been easy for you to say invite my son-in-law over to Omoku. But because of your simple nature, you came here with all of your highnesses."

“There can be no other simplicity than what you have exhibited today. Bayelsa and Rivers states have been brothers and will continue to be brothers. And for us and your kingdom, we have come a long way in history. We will continue to watch each other’s back and live in harmony and in peace.”

On her part, wife of the Governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, described the visit of her kinsmen as an example of her husband finding favour before God and men, noting that the visit was rare. 

Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of royal attire and walking stick as well as prayers for the Governor and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who was also present.

Mr. Daniel Alabrah 

Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor