By Nelson Utip
Goodluck Jonathan, a former President and astute Political Leader in Bayelsa State says he does not owe anybody an apology for supporting the re-election of Bayelsa state governor Douye Diri in the state’s November 11, 2023, claiming it was the right thing to do as Diri supported most of the Bayelsa people to continue in office.
Jonathan said this recently when he received a high powered Yuletide delegation led by the governor in residence in Yenagoa, the state capital.
READ ALSO: Thanks for not Playing Godfather , Diri tells Dickson
In a Press Statement by Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the wife of the former President, Dame Patience Jonathan, was also on hand to receive the governor and his entourage.
The former President clarified that he publicly endorsed Diri’s candidature during the campaigns because of his visionary leadership demonstrated in handling the affairs of the state, stating that the governor deserved to be re-elected for his developmental efforts, particularly for ensuring peace and stability in the state.
“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.
READ ALSO: Thanks for not Playing Godfather , Diri tells Dickson
“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, has 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 said.
He charged the governor to put more effort to meet the high expectations of the massive support base for his Prosperity Administration, adding that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
Governor Douye Diri in his remarks was full of appreciation for the former President for his support and endorsement, which contributed to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) victory at the poll.
“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 peace and security we have in our state, Bayelsa is ready for private investors to come in.” Governor Diri said.
He was optimistic that Jonathan would have more prominent roles to play in reconciling people in the country and the African continent to ensure peace and development while thanking President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a peaceful, free, and credible election in the state.
In the entourage of The Governor were National Assembly members such as 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). Also in the entourage were Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, one-time Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Ishiaku Bawa, Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, and state executive council members.
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