Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa says people of the state have numerous reasons to be thankful to God, despite its challenges and that of the country.
Diri spoke at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, during the 13th Thanksgiving celebration in the state.
He said Nov. 2 was enshrined in the laws of Bayelsa as a day of memorial, beginning from 2012 under the administration of former governor Seriake Dickson.
Diri noted that the gathering was born out of profound gratitude to God for his goodness to the state.
He said the 13th edition was special after God granted him and his deputy victory in the last governorship election and throughout the legal battles.
“No matter your condition, thank God. Today’s thanksgiving is special because God gave me and my deputy victory in last year’s election.
“It was Bayelsa that became victorious. We had a protracted legal battle after the victory and we still emerged victorious.
“We are also thankful to God that contrary to predictions, this year’s flood was not as devastating as expected,” he said.
The governor apologised for the darkness experienced in the state in the past three months.
“It was the duty of the Transmission Company of Nigeria to fix the damaged power infrastructure.
“We intervened because our people are suffering. Anytime from now, power will be restored.
“But, importantly, we are in the process of having our own independent power plant.
“Let me also appreciate all the service commanders that are here for working with the government to maintain peace and security,” he said.
Delivering a sermon, the General Overseer of Royal House of Grace, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, expressed gratitude to God for using a former Head of State, late Gen. Sani Abacha, to create the state.
He said that was the foundation for the development and happiness of all Bayelsans.
The cleric described thanksgiving as a necessity for humans, saying everything must not be perfect before God is appreciated.
Dignitaries at the event include former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; immediate past governor, Sen. Seriake Dickson; former military administrators of the state. retired Col. Edor Obi and retired Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade.
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Also in attendance were two former governors of Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff and Chief Rufus Ada-George; as well as serving and former National Assembly members.
Head of the Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson Jack, among others, was also present.
Joe Praise, the Bayelsa State Mass Choir and the Royal House of Grace Mass Choir, sang at the event.(NAN)
