Former President Goodluck Jonathan asserted that he does not owe anyone apologies for endorsing the re-election of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, in the off-cycle governorship poll held on November 11, 2023, in the state.
He further emphasized that supporting Governor Diri’s re-election was the right course of action, considering the widespread backing he received from the majority of the Bayelsa people.
Dr. Jonathan made these remarks on Tuesday during the Yuletide visit of the governor and a high-powered delegation to his Yenagoa residence in the Bayelsa State capital.
Dame Patience Jonathan, the former president’s wife, also joined in welcoming the governor and his entourage.
Jonathan clarified that his public endorsement of Diri’s candidacy during the campaigns was based on the governor’s demonstrated visionary leadership in managing the affairs of the state.
His words, “I did what l did during the governorship election and l have no apologies to anybody because l know that the governor and his team were doing very well, especially in the area of peace and stability of the state. At a time, l became very worried.
“I have not said others did not do well. After all, l was also governor for a little less than one and a half years and also had my challenges.
“Since Diri came on board, the excesses of cult groups, particularly in Yenagoa, have reduced reasonably. If we must move forward, first and foremost, we must handle the issue of security in order to attract investors. I saw that the governor and his team have a vision and he needed to be encouraged to do another four-year term.”
Jonathan urged the governor to exceed the high expectations of his extensive support base for the Prosperity Administration, emphasizing the principle that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’
In response, Diri conveyed his gratitude to the former president for the support and endorsement, acknowledging its significant contribution to the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party in the election.
He said: “Your endorsement of a sitting governor was more than billions of naira. And so having secured that endorsement, we were very sure of victory. We are here to say a big thank you as that has brought stability in the state.”
“So, with the kind of peace and security we have in our state, Bayelsa is ready for private investors to come in.”
The governor conveyed optimism about Jonathan playing additional roles in fostering reconciliation among people in Nigeria and across the African continent, promoting peace and development.
Additionally, he expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a peaceful, free, and credible election in the state.
On the governor’s entourage were National Assembly members, including Senator 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).
Others were Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, one-time Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Ishiaku Bawa, Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei and members of the state executive council.
Also on the entourage were former state assembly members, including Dr. Tonye Isenah and Ebi Ololo, PDP caucus chairmen for Ogbia, Ekeremor and Kolokuma/Opokuma local government areas, namely Chief Innocent Afagha, Dein Binadoumene and Chief Isaac Kumokou respectively.
Others were the chairman of the state Civil Service Commission, Perekiye Buruboyefe, a former Commissioner for Health, Prof. Tarilah Tebepah as well as traditional rulers, including King Mozi Agara, Ibenanaowei of Kolokuma kingdom, paramount ruler of Sampou community, Chief Simon Usikoromoagha, and caretaker committee chairmen of Ogbia and Kolokuma/Opokuma councils, Ibu Mizodome and Inemo Orubide among others.