Wife of former Nigerian president, Dame Patience Jonathan, has described Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, as a leader who has worked tirelessly to unify the state politically. Speaking during the 5th anniversary dinner of the Senator Diri administration, Dame Jonathan noted that since Diri assumed office, there has been unity among past and present leaders of the state across party lines.

The Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, issued a statement on the event, which took place at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa on Friday night. In the statement, Dame Jonathan expressed delight over the presence of leaders of the state at the dinner despite political differences, saying it was a testament to the governor’s peaceful and accommodating disposition. Alabrah stated that Dame Jonathan stressed the need for people of the state to close ranks and support the administration, saying a state divided against itself cannot develop.

In a goodwill message, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, praised Diri’s performance, saying he would have been surprised if the governor had performed less than he had done. Alabrah noted that the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, commended Diri for taking the Bayelsa West Senatorial road to Ekeremor main town, saying he can now drive to his village with ease. Daniel Alabrah stated that Governor Douye Diri restated his call on people of the state to unite despite party affiliations to be able to build a greater Bayelsa.

Diri said, “All the previous speakers have said it all. So, all I will say is that we need to unite as a state to make progress. “As our mother (Dame Jonathan) had said, once a governor emerges, we all need to rally round and support him to succeed. As a result of your support and the peace we have in Bayelsa, we have been able to achieve so much. “My dear leaders, we need to downplay the divisive politics we play. Let us have leaders that will not sacrifice blood. The era of killing in Bayelsa is over. Let us look unto God who gives power.”