By Ere Robinson Erebi
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Continuing his “Thank You” tour of the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri, accompanied by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was overwhelmed with joy and appreciation as they were hosted to a rousing reception by the leaders and people of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
In his address at the Oporoma Civic Pavilion, Governor Diri stated that his visit to Southern Ijaw was simply to say “thank you” to the people for their massive support in his and his deputy’s successful re-election in 2023.
“I have come to Southern Ijaw to greet our people. You supported us in our re-election, so we have come to say thank you. That’s why we are bringing developmental projects to Southern Ijaw LGA.”
“We took the Yen2agoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road from Igeibiri to Angiama after constructing the Aguobiri Bridge. We are currently constructing the bridge from Angiama to Oporoma, which will link Oporoma by road this December. There is also a road to Otuan, we are constructing the Angiama-Eniwari road, and we have approved the construction of a free technical college at Oporoma, along with various other projects in Southern Ijaw LGA.”
“Let’s continue to maintain peace and security so that we can attract more development,” Gov. Diri emphasized.
Also speaking at the occasion, House of Representatives member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei, sought the permission of His Excellency to first thank the men and women of Southern Ijaw, underscoring that without their support, the Governor would not be in office.
“They came together to support Senator Konbowei Benson, support me, and support the State Assembly members, and we gave you our votes. It is because we gave you our votes that you decided to come and thank them.”
“Southern Ijaw ere bo mo, owei bo mo, aanua, nua, nua!!! Amie bo mo, adoo! Adi ebi kamo!
“Your Excellency, you are a good man. You and your Deputy Governor are good people. The Bible says that when the righteous bear fruit, the people rejoice. And you have made it so that I’m going to give you a name: You’re the one who makes the elderly weep tears of joy.”
“I recall going through social media one day and seeing my leader from Otuan Community, Patrick Osunu. He drove to his community and couldn’t believe his eyes. On Facebook, I saw him weeping like the ‘weeping prophet’ in the Bible. You’re a good man.”
“Your Excellency, just like my other brothers have spoken, you have come to thank us. Because you have come to thank us, and because the Southern Ijaw people have made me their leader, I am saying that may it be well with you. You and the Deputy Governor have been made whole, just as Jesus Christ said when one leper came to thank Him; He said, ‘You have been made whole.’ Anywhere you go politically, may you be made whole through Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, in Jesus’ name.”
“Of course, Southern Ijaw people are Oliver Twists. You have accomplished so much; I don’t want to count, but I know that the road to Eniwari is about 1.5km. I know you can still do more. Stretch it beyond, because it will accommodate many villages.”
“And Your Excellency, even if you do not come to thank us, we appreciate you because we know that your roots come from Southern Ijaw. You know Southern Ijaw better than anyone else. If your wife comes from Southern Ijaw, what else can you do but to give, give, and give? We just want to say ‘thank you’. Thank you for all that you have done. Thank you, thank you, and may God bless you,” Hon. Ambaiowei concluded.
Governor Diri later proceeded to Oporoma to inspect the ongoing Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie and Otuan roads, as well as the Angiama-Eniwari road project.
He commended the contractors handling the projects and encouraged them to adhere to the scheduled completion dates.
Dignitaries at the event included Senator Konbowei Friday Benson, Senator Benson Agadaga, former Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboriagboha John Jonah (Rtd), Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Hon. Mitema Obordor, Hon. Marie Ebikake, Hon. Oforji Oboku, Rt. Hon. Monday Obolo-Bubou, Senator Moses Cleopas, Hon. Moses Marlon, Hon. Bonny Ayah, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Chief of Staff to the Government House Dr. Peter Akpe, Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA Hon. Target Segibo, Commissioners, traditional leaders, and other top government officials.
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