Gov. Diri Gets Rousing Welcome After Supreme Court Victory

By Joy Okosieme

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, got a rousing reception on his return to Yenagoa on Thursday evening as a mammoth crowd of jubilant Bayelsans turned out to welcome him.

The Supreme Court had on Wednesday dismissed the last batch of six appeals against the governor and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Governor Diri, who was returning from Abuja, was apparently taken by surprise when he saw the large crowd of dancing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, supporters of the party, women and youths at the Igbogene entry point into the state capital.

His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said in a statement that the governor stepped out of his vehicle to acknowledge cheers from the excited Bayelsans and briefly addressed them before heading to the Government House where another large crowd was waiting at the gate.

Governor Diri thereafter headed to the King of Glory Chapel in Government House for a victory thanksgiving service.

In his remarks, the governor described the turn of events at the apex court where all six appeals against him and his deputy were dismissed as clear indication of God’s supremacy in the affairs of men.

For the umpteenth time, he called on the litigants to realise that the legal battles were now over and that it was time to place the state on the pedestal of development.

His words: “Again, let me call on our political adversaries and not our enemies that although it is their constitutional rights to do what they have done, they have however come to the end of the road.

“Whatever they can do for our state let them come on board. Our Prosperity Administration is still waving the olive branch, calling on them to join hands with us to advance the state together.

“If Bayelsa State is developing, it is to our glory. So my dear members of the Prosperity Administration and, of course, our great party, the PDP, please still call on your brothers and sisters on the other side that it is not late.

“I thank all of you, who despite the time still waited to receive me.”

He also appreciated the team of clergymen that have stood in the gap in prayers for his administration and the state.

The highpoint of the victory service was special prayers offered for the governor, his deputy and the state led by Archbishop Winning Willy Bunting.