Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has stated that only a God-fearing individual can succeed him, urging those interested in the position to seek God's approval. He made this statement during the state's 15th thanksgiving at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene-Yenagoa. According to Diri, nobody can say no to anyone okayed by God, and he emphasized the need for the state's people to remain united, tolerant, and peaceful to achieve much-needed development.
Governor Diri stressed his administration's commitment to positively impacting the lives of the people and transforming the state, which he believes has one of the best environments for development in Nigeria. He commended the people of the state for their support and for standing by his administration. Diri also encouraged them to continue worshiping God and be tolerant and patient, assuring them of victory at the end of the day.
The guest preacher, Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, a former state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), delivered a sermon on the theme "Called to be Good Christians and Good Citizens." He emphasized that Christians hold dual citizenship - as citizens of the church and citizens of society. Opelema drew his message from Matthew 22:15-22, where Jesus responded to the Pharisees' attempt to trap him on payment of tax.
Rev. Opelema said that Christians must bring virtues such as sacrifice, prudence, accountability, justice, love, care, and charity to bear wherever they find themselves, especially in public office. He lamented that many worshippers today do not live the Christian life, stressing that Jesus called on believers to be witnesses, salt of the earth, light of the world, and to use any public position to serve and witness to Christ.
The Catholic cleric described Bayelsa as abundantly blessed with natural and human resources, capable of making it a tourism hub in Nigeria. He added that with a God-fearing leader, the state would attain its full potential in no distant time. High points of the service included the unveiling of a book containing the governor's scriptural declarations during morning devotions and song ministrations by various Gospel artistes.
The event was attended by top dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Peter Akpe, and former Deputy Governors of the state. The Chairman, CAN, Bayelsa State Chapter, Rev. Abili Samuel Abili, described the state as "God's shining light," noting that Bayelsa exemplifies its love for God through the yearly thanksgiving.
Rev. Abili believes that God will continually reign his blessings on the state. The thanksgiving service was a celebration of the state's progress and a demonstration of its commitment to God, with Governor Diri and other officials in attendance.
Key points
- Governor Douye Diri advises successors to be God-fearing.
- The state celebrates its 15th thanksgiving anniversary.
- Bayelsa is described as "God's shining light".
