By: Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has admonished politicians in the state to prayerfully make decisions ahead of the 2027 elections, noting that power comes from God.

Governor Diri also urged them to eschew politics of bitterness and violence.

Speaking in his hometown, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area during the KOLGA Annual Day of Thanksgiving on Saturday, he advised people of the state not to allow politics to separate them.

Diri commended the KOLGA people for sustaining the annual event, noting that an attitude of appreciation attracts blessings.

He appreciated the other arms of government, the clergy, and people of the state for their support, urging them to be thankful to God at all times.

His words: “I thank God for a day like this that has been set aside legislatively to thank God. The more this local government area thanks God, the more it will be blessed.

“I call on other local government areas to emulate KOLGA because as governor, I want the blessings to spread across the state.

“This is a political year. Let our political class be reminded that power comes from God. Whatever position you desire, my admonition is go and pray; go and consult God. Use me as a point of contact.

“Let me also appreciate Apostle Zilly-Aggrey, the initiator of this event.
Whenever you recognise God, He never lets you down. That is why KOLGA and Bayelsa State will continue to grow from strength to strength because we always put God first.

“For us holding public offices, your service should be to the people. Do not be the only rich man in your community.

“Together we can acheive a lot. Let the bitterness and hatred be removed. If your brother is succeeding, support him. Let us open our hearts and love one another.”

In his welcome remarks, the KOLGA Chairman, Tariye Lelei, stated that people of the area were thankful to God for the achievements recorded.

He noted that the local government had become more accessible by road unlike in the past when most of the communities could only be reached by water.

In a sermorn, Presiding Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, said KOLGA was blessed to have a governor that has transformed the local government and the state at large.

The renowned cleric hailed the state assembly and members of the state executive council for supporting the governor, saying development was a collective responsibility.

Present at the programme were the wives of the governor, Dr. Gloria and Justice Patience, leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou, and other state legislators, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, and members of the state executive council.

Others were the State Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Barr. Dennis Otiotio, Executive Director, Social and Human Capital Development, South-South Development Commission, Engr. Preye Aganaba, local government chairmen as well as the Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, King of Kolokuma Clan, HRM Onya Mozi Agara, other traditional rulers and top government officials.