Ex-President Jonathan makes no apologies for endorsing, supporting Diri’s re-election

The former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, declared on Tuesday that he owed no one an apology for having backed Senator Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State, in the state’s off-cycle governorship election on November 11, 2023.

He went on to say that he openly supported Diri’s candidature during the campaigns due to the visionary leadership he displayed in managing state matters.

Governor Diri deserved to be re-elected for his developmental efforts, especially for maintaining peace and stability in the state, according to Jonathan, who also added that it was the proper thing to do because the majority of Bayelsa people supported him to stay in office.

Jonathan made this statement on Tuesday during the governor and a delegation’s Yuletide visit to his home in Yenagoa, the state capital: “Since Diri came on board, the excesses of cult groups, particularly in Yenagoa, have reduced reasonably.” In order to draw in investors, we must address the security issue first if we are to move forward.

“I have no regrets about what I did during the gubernatorial race since I am aware that the governor and his administration were doing a great job, particularly with regard to maintaining the state’s peace and stability. I started to worry a lot at one point.

“I haven’t said that others weren’t successful. I mean, I served as a governor for a little under a year and a half, and I had my share of difficulties.

“I observed that the governor and his group possess a clear vision, and it is necessary to motivate him to serve an additional four years.”

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” Jonathan said, pressing the governor to live up to the high standards of the broad base of support for his Prosperity Administration.

The former president’s backing and endorsement, which helped the Peoples Democratic Party win, were acknowledged by Diri in his reply.

“You spent more than billions of naira endorsing a sitting governor. We were therefore confident that we would win after obtaining that support. We would like to express our gratitude for bringing stability to the state through that, he said.

In order to maintain peace and prosperity, the helmsman of the state expressed optimism that Jonathan would have more opportunities to mediate disputes between citizens of the nation and the continent of Africa.

The former president’s wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, was also present to greet the governor and his delegation.

Sen. Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central Senatorial District), Hon. Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency), Rodney Ambaowei (Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency), and Oforji Oboku (Kolokuma/Opokuma/Yenagoa Federal Constituency) are among the other dignitaries.

The others were members of the state executive council, Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, former Chief Whip of the House of Representatives Ishiaku Bawa, and Secretary to the State Government Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei.

Former members of the state legislature, including as Dr. Tonye Isenah and Ebi Ololo, who chair the PDP caucus for the local government areas of Ogbia, Ekeremor, and Kolokuma/Opokuma, Chief Innocent Afagha, Dein Binadoumene, and Chief Isaac Kumokou, respectively, were also in the entourage.

In addition, there were traditional leaders such as King Mozi Agara, Ibenanaowei of Kolokuma kingdom, Chief Simon Usikoromoagha, paramount ruler of Sampou community, and caretaker committee chairmen of Ogbia and Kolokuma/Opokuma councils, Ibu Mizodome and Inemo Orubide. The chairman of the state Civil Service Commission, Perekiye Buruboyefe, and a former Commissioner for Health, Prof. Tarilah Tebepah, were also present.