Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has called on those aspiring to succeed him to seek God's guidance and approval through prayer. He made this statement at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene-Yenagoa, during the state's 15th thanksgiving. Diri emphasized that only a God-fearing individual will succeed him, stressing the importance of divine approval in leadership.
Diri stated that nobody can say no to anyone accepted by God, and that Bayelsa had been handed over to God. He maintained that the Almighty would always have the final say on the affairs of the state. The governor also stressed the need for people of the state to remain united, tolerant, and peaceful, saying that it was the only way Bayelsa can witness much-needed development.
The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to continue impacting the lives of the people positively and transforming the state. He noted that Bayelsa has one of the best environments for development and thanked the people for standing by his administration. Diri encouraged aspirants to seek God's face, saying, "All who want to be governor, go and seek the face of God. Anyone who wants to be governor must be God-fearing."
The guest preacher, Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, took his sermon on the theme: "Called to be Good Christians and Good Citizens." He emphasized that Christians hold dual citizenship – citizens of the church and citizens of the society. Opelema drew his message from Matthew 22:15-22, where the Pharisees attempted to trap Jesus on payment of tax.
Rev. Opelema said Jesus' response, "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God," underscored the call for Christians to be good citizens. He lamented that there were many worshippers today but few 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, good weather, land, and rivers, 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 time. High points of the service included the unveiling of a book containing the governor's scriptural declarations during morning devotions.
The thanksgiving service featured song ministrations by various Gospel artistes. Bayelsa's governorship election is scheduled to hold a few months after the 2027 general election. Governor Diri's emphasis on seeking God's guidance and approval reflects his commitment to faith and good governance in the state.
Key points
- Governor Douye Diri urges aspirants to seek God's guidance and approval through prayer.
- Only a God-fearing person will succeed Diri as governor of Bayelsa State.
- The governor stresses the need for unity, tolerance, and peace in Bayelsa for much-needed development.
