Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the people of the state to continue to rally round the Prosperity Government towards sustaining the prevailing peace and stability that had put the state on a steady path of development.
Represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor stated this at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service in commemoration of Nigeria’s Independence Day and Bayelsa State at 28 anniversary at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa.
Senator Diri, who attributed the peace and security being experienced in the state to the collective efforts of the various security agencies, equally appreciated the support of all Bayelsans that led to the achievements recorded by successive administrations.
According to the governor, Bayelsa State has made tremendous progress in the last 28 years of its creation considering where the state used to be in terms of development.
The governor who noted that Yenagoa used to be known as a one-road capital city, but today the state can now boast of at least three entry points into Yenagoa due to the commitment of government to embark on massive infrastructural development across the state.
“You can now see the roads we are constructing, including the ongoing three senatorial roads as well the by-pass are among several road projects being handled to open up the state.
“And so we’re only stating the obvious when we say we have done very well. Our state is not where it used to be. I urge our people to see the brighter side of life rather than the dark side”, he said.
On the issue of the planned October 1st nationwide protest, Senator Diri said the best option to resolving issues remains dialogue, and therefore, enjoined those planning the protest to shelve the idea especially in the state.
He noted that his administration was doing everything humanly possible to ensure that there was peace and development as evident in the various projects and programmes being put in place for the welfare of Bayelsans.
“Through protest we are likely to destroy the peace we have worked hard to achieve. So, l encourage them to sheathe their sword. Let us dialogue because a house that is divided against itself can never stand.
“It has to be dark before it becomes day breaks. And so, we hope and pray that we will pass through this dark period. So l want to encourage them to avoid the protest especially here in Bayelsa State. We are doing all that is possible to ensure that there is peace and prosperity for everyone.
“As Bayelsa celebrate 28 years anniversary, l offer the message of hope, courage and determination because we are closer to where we need to get to than where we started.
“The government of Senator Douye Diri is doing everything humanly possible to develop the state and the signs are there for all to see, and so, they should be hopeful”, he stressed.
In his sermon, titled, “A Shepherd ln The Imitation of Christ”, the Chaplain, Central Naval Command Headquarters, Bayelsa State, Rev. Father Ethelbert Owulu, urged leaders to see themselves as an instrument of God to render selfless service to mankind.
Rev. Father Owulu, who is also a commander in the Nigerian Navy, said just as God chose various prophets to deliver his people from hardship, those in positions of authority should see themselves as shepherds to improve the general wellbeing of the people.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo read the only lesson at the service which was taken from the book of Joel Chapter two, verse 23 to 26.
Intercessory prayers were offered for President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima, Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and their families as well as for the security, peace and stability of Nigeria and Bayelsa State.
Special prayers were also offered for the three arms of government and the people of Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta region and Ijaw land.
Dignitaries who attended the service included, Wife of the Governor, Dr Gloria Diri, the informer military governor of Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the immediate past deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, state lawmakers,
Others are, Secretary to State Government, Prof Nimbofa Ayaowei, the state Head of Service, Dame Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, Commissioners and other top government functionaries, service commanders, and royal fathers including the Chairman of the state traditional rulers council, King Bubaraye Dakolo.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa