Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa urged politicians to shun bitter politics of division and instead, work together to develop the state and the nation.
Speaking during the 14th annual Bayelsa State Thanksgiving on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre at Igbogene, Yenagoa, Diri described politics as an avenue for service and contribution to societal development.
Diri said the people of Bayelsa have every reason to thank God for the prevailing peace and security pointed out that his decision to leave the Peoples’ Democratic Party was for the interest of the State.
The governor who emphasised the need for unity, urged politicians to eschew the politics of division and bitterness and rather close ranks to develop the State and country.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Oil, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri reminded politicians to weigh the consequences before taking decisions, stating that the governor’s alignment to the centre was for the good for Bayelsa.
The ninister warned against disloyalty to the governor in a veiled jab at the Deputy Governor who have chosen to remain at the Peoples’ Democratic Party rather than join governor Diri to resign from the PDP.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack said Bayelsa has every cause to thank God for the blessings to the State.
The Founder of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Bishop Mike Okonkwo in a sermon quoted from various books of the Bible including Psalm 100, verse one to five, highlighted the importance of Thanksgiving to God.
The 14th Bayelsa State Annual Thanksgiving featured praise and worship and choir Ministration from renowned gospel artiste, Asu Ekiye and the Bayelsa Choir. (NAN)
