On Tuesday, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan asserted that he has no apologies to offer for his endorsement and support of the re-election of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, in the off-cycle governorship poll held on November 11, 2023.
He clarified that his public endorsement during the campaigns stemmed from Governor Diri’s visionary leadership and effective management of the state’s affairs.
Jonathan emphasized that supporting Diri was the right decision, as he enjoyed widespread backing from the majority of the Bayelsa people, who recognized his merit for continuing in office.
During the Yuletide visit of the governor and a delegation to his residence in Yenagoa, the state capital, Jonathan highlighted Diri’s deserving re-election, commending the governor for his developmental initiatives and significant contributions to maintaining peace and stability in the state.
He said, “Since Diri came on board, the excesses of cult groups, particularly in Yenagoa, has reduced reasonably. If we must move forward, first and foremost, we must handle the issue of security in order to attract investors.”
“I did what l did during the governorship election, and l have no apologies to anybody because l know that the governor and his team were doing very well, especially in the area of peace and stability of the state. At a time, l became very worried.
“I have not said others did not do well. After all, l was also a governor for a little less than one and a half years and also had my challenges.
“I saw that the governor and his team have a vision and he needed to be encouraged to do another four-year term.”
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Jonathan urged the governor to exceed the lofty expectations of the extensive support for his Prosperity Administration, emphasizing the principle that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
In reply, Diri conveyed gratitude to the ex-president for his backing and endorsement, acknowledging their pivotal role in the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“Your endorsement of a sitting governor was more than billions of naira. And so, having secured that endorsement, we were very sure of victory. We are here to say a big thank you as that has brought stability in the state,” he said.
The state leader expressed optimism that Jonathan would play a more significant role in reconciling people within the country and the African continent to ensure peace and development.
Dame Patience Jonathan, the former president’s wife, was present to welcome the governor and his entourage. Among the dignitaries were National Assembly members, including Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central Senatorial District), Hon. Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency), Rodney Ambaowei (Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency), and Oforji Oboku (Kolokuma/Opokuma/Yenagoa Federal Constituency).
Additional attendees included Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, former Chief Whip of the House of Representatives Ishiaku Bawa, Secretary to the State Government Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, and members of the state executive council. The entourage also featured former state assembly members such as Dr. Tonye Isenah and Ebi Ololo, as well as PDP caucus chairmen for Ogbia, Ekeremor, and Kolokuma/Opokuma local government areas, namely Chief Innocent Afagha, Dein Binadoumene, and Chief Isaac Kumokou, respectively.
Others in attendance were the chairman of the state Civil Service Commission Perekiye Buruboyefe, former Commissioner for Health Prof. Tarilah Tebepah, and traditional rulers, including King Mozi Agara (Ibenanaowei of Kolokuma kingdom), Chief Simon Usikoromoagha (paramount ruler of Sampou community), and caretaker committee chairmen of Ogbia and Kolokuma/Opokuma councils, Ibu Mizodome, and Inemo Orubide, among others.