Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, has urged the political class in the state to avoid politics of bitterness, acrimony and violence ahead of the 2027 general election.
Diri also applauded the synergy among the three arms of government during the third memorial thanksgiving service held in honour of his father, Pa Abraham Joseph Michael Diri.
In a statement issued on Sunday night, his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said the governor made the call at the service held at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
The governor noted that Bayelsa had entered an era of love and unity among its political leadership. He emphasised that politics should promote development and unity rather than foster division.
The governor urged politicians to draw lessons from his relationship with his rival in the 2019 governorship election, David Lyon. He stated that had they resorted to violence or insults, it would have been difficult to reconcile when circumstances changed.
He appreciated Lyon, who attended the church service, for what he described as his candour and decent approach to politics.
Diri maintained that his relationship with Lyon exemplified how politics should be practised in Bayelsa State.
He noted that some critics had accused him of wrongdoing for working with political opponents such as Lyon, but. Still, he added what might be considered a sin before man was not necessarily so before God.
Commending the cooperation among the executive, legislature and judiciary, the governor said the synergy had fostered growth and development in the state.
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He explained that harmony did not imply the absence of disagreements, but rather the ability to resolve differences amicably whenever they arose.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration would continue throughout his tenure and beyond, emphasising that unity remained the only path through which the government could deliver meaningful development to the people.
Diri particularly appreciated the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, and the Chief Judge of the state, Matilda Ayemieye, for their support, urging them to remain steadfast.
On Ingobere, the governor described his representation as effective, noting that it had attracted unprecedented development to the Akassa Kingdom in Brass Local Government Area.
He added that the three arms of government had maintained cordial working relations since the previous administration led by Seriake Dickson. According to him, they had always chosen dialogue over conflict in resolving issues.
On behalf of the Diri family and the St Peter’s Anglican Church community, the governor thanked those who attended the service, stating that they were overwhelmed by the show of love, solidarity and support.
In his sermon, the Bishop of the Northern Izon Anglican Diocese, Funkuro Amgbare, described the late Pa Diri as a devoted Anglican, a committed church teacher who raised his children in the ways of the Lord and upheld justice throughout his life.
