Easter: Gov Diri Appreciates Christian Leaders For Prayers, Peace In Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has acknowledged the role of the Christian community and its leaders in  engendering peace  in the state through prayers.

Speaking at his country home in Sampou community when he hosted leaders and pastors of different denominations on Easter Sunday, Governor Diri said the prayers of Christians were pivotal to the peace of the state.

He said he was blessed to be surrounded by Christian leaders who speak truth to power,  stressing that his constant interactions with them encouraged him to put in his best in the service of the state.

He noted that having hosted a similar meeting with the Muslim community during the recent Eid-el-Fitr, he also had to meet with Christians and that the day was significant as it defined the Christian faith.

The Bayelsa helmsman appealed to the Christian leaders not to relent in their prayers for his administration and the state and assured them of his unrelenting diligent service.

His words: "Today (Easter Sunday) is the reason we are all Christians. On behalf of your government and the people of the state, I welcome you and wish you happy Easter celebration.

"I had met with the Muslim leaders and it is incumbent I also meet with you. I am honoured to see our Christian leaders across the state here.

"I believe that I am blessed because of the Christian leaders around me that speak truth to power. You pray for this government and nothing can be better than that. Your prayers and support for this government are overwhelming and we will continue to work not to disappoint you.”

Earlier, the Special Special Adviser on Religion, Rev. Godspower Asingba, thanked the governor for hosting the Christian community to an Easter lunch.

He expressed gratitude to the governor for his love towards the Christian community and prayed to God to continue to strengthen him in his service to the state.

In separate remarks, Bishop Bob Manuel and Mrs Grace Iyabi   highlighted some of the development strides of the governor such as the ongoing stadium and civil servant secretariat projects, procurement of gas turbines for the state’s independent power supply, the New Yenagoa City as well as numerous road projects across the state as evidence of his love for people of the state and thanked him for his generosity towards the Christian community. 

Also, the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Joseph Obelema, said the Christian community will continue to pray for the administration’s  success and for the governor to finish his tenure well