The demise of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor took shine off the 6th anniversary of the administration of Governor Douye Diri in Bayelsa State.
The anniversary usually marked with fanfare annually on February 14, did not attract any celebration this year owing to the passing of the deputy governor who died December11, 2025.
Gov. Diri explained at the thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre at Igbogene, that the low-key celebration was to honour the memory of the departed deputy governor of the state.
At the well-attended thanksgiving service, the governor paid tribute to his late deputy, whom he said began the journey with him in 2020.
Gov. Diri, who read the only Bible lesson at the service from Psalm 23:1-6, thanked Bayelsans and the other arms of government for their support and solidarity, which he noted accounted for the successes achieved by the administration.
He urged the people of the state to continually imbibe the spirit of togetherness, tolerance and reconciliation and work collectively for its development.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, in his goodwill message, said Gov. Diri’s emergence as governor was a divine intervention for the state.
According to Sen. Lokpobiri, not many understand why he was referred to as the miracle governor, describing his emergence as one of the few miracles he had seen in life.
He also stated that Gov. Diri was God’s choice for the state and that no man can claim the credit.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, while congratulating Gov. Diri and his cabinet members, commended the administration for what he described as enthronement of peace in the state.
Ogbuku said this has facilitated development initiatives across the length and breadth of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the state’s National Assembly caucus, the member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Mitema Obordor, described six years of Gov. Diri’s leadership as visionary, impactful and exceptional governance.
Also, chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council and former Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), appreciated Gov. Diri’s stewardship, which, he noted, had enthroned peace, development and stability since 2020.
He equally commended the governor for his leadership style as well as the construction of the Nembe-Brass Road, which he said had restored peace and unity to the area just as cases of sea piracy and kidnapping had drastically reduced.
John-Jonah stated that the senatorial roads in the state were conceived to link the Atlantic Ocean from the three major flanks to enable government harness its potential for the benefit of the people.
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In a sermon hinged on the faithfulness of God, the Lead Pastor of The Refined People’s Assembly, Daddy-Ken Bitere, said faithfulness was the nature of God, as He is trustworthy and keeps promises with man.
The cleric said if God was given the due recognition and acknowledgement as the source of every success and victory, man will not experience disappointments in life.
He also said God uses man to bring His faithfulness to pass, and that He does that through the government in power to meet the needs of the people through numerous projects across the state.
He prayed that God will continually use Gov. Diri to fulfill His promises to Bayelsans and praised him for always acknowledging the supremacy of God.
Dignitaries in attendance included former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, wives of the governor, Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Diri, the senator representing Kaduna South, Sunday Katung, and wife of the first civilian Governor of the state, Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha and many others.
