By Robinson Ere Erebi
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri, has commended Hon. Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei, the National Assembly member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, for his outstanding performance over the past two years in the House of Representatives.
Governor Diri expressed his commendation during a visit by a high-powered delegation of Southern Ijaw stakeholders, led by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Amb. Godknows Boladei Igali. The delegation visited the governor in his country home in Sampou on June 14, 2025, to express their gratitude for his support in the election of Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei and to highlight the positive projects he has initiated in the area.
The Bayelsa helmsman extended heartfelt appreciation to the delegation, which comprised representatives from various political parties, for acknowledging the developmental strides of his administration in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
“People have been coming to say thank you. If I say nobody has been coming, it’s not true; a lot of people have come to express their gratitude, but I want to say that this visit stands out. I can see Southern Ijaw in its original entity—the crème de la crème of leaders across political parties,” he said.
“It gladdens my heart because that’s what I have been preaching since I assumed office—the unity and oneness we share as a people from this geographical entity. Not only from a geographical perspective, but also from an ethnic standpoint. Particularly for those of us from the old Yenagoa Local Government Area. “
“We have worked together, we have shared good times and bad times together, making us a people who are one and the same. We’re inseparable. So I feel very, very happy to receive this caliber of leaders from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.”
“I know that the Honourable has been working tirelessly for quite some time, and while some may think it’s late, it’s never too late to say ‘thank you.’ After Jesus Christ healed ten lepers, only one returned to express gratitude. In everything you do in this world, appreciation matters. Power itself is transient. We are in power today, tomorrow we may not be, and others will take our place. What stands out is the legacy we leave behind.”
“I appreciate you all for the unity that I am witnessing in Southern Ijaw today. Some of you are not based here in Yenagoa; you have come from far and near—some of you from Abuja, some from Lagos—to demonstrate that oneness. You are all here today to follow your son and express your gratitude. Let it also be with you,” Sen. Diri added.
Earlier in the visit, the leader of the delegation, Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, conveyed the purpose of the visit. “This auspicious occasion is to thank the Governor for his unwavering support for our son. All political office holders from Southern Ijaw are here today to appreciate you for the love that has endured over the years and to thank you particularly for your assistance in his work in the National Assembly.”
“Today, we thank you for bringing forth our son, Rodney Ambaiowei, from a noble family in Southern Ijaw. You stood by him amidst many interests and confidently said, ‘This young man, I know him. He’s an Engineer.’ He has served at both the state and federal levels and has performed remarkably well in the House of Representatives. We are here today to express our appreciation.”
“To thank you not just for finding him fit and proper for this role, but because you did not impose him on us. You recommended him based on your confidence in his abilities, encouraging us to vote for him. You personally campaigned for him town by town, leading to his landslide victory, and he has been representing us incredibly well.”
“Your Excellency, Rodney has asked us to thank you and assure you that the A.S.S.U.R.E.D programme of the Prosperity Government has enabled him to touch most communities in Southern Ijaw. He has documented his work, which we will present to you. More importantly, we come to greet you. Nua!” he said.
While presenting his “Mid-Term Stewardship Report for Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency” to Governor Douye Diri, Hon. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei emphasized that the governor is not just a leader but also his father and mentor. “When I call him my mentor, he truly is. You can imagine someone who guided me through school and continues to mentor me today as I serve in the legislative house.”
“I started my political journey in 2003, contesting in the elections of 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019. I never imagined that one day you would become governor and provide me this platform. I am here simply to express my gratitude. Even though my leader has thanked you profoundly, I am still here to say thank you. Nua!” he concluded.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the “Mid-Term Stewardship Report for Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency” by Hon. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei to Governor Sen. Douye Diri.
The report details the projects successfully executed during his two years of legislative service to the people of Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, garnering a standing ovation from attendees.
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