YENAOGOA/NIGERIA: Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State was recently agog with activities that marked the second-term inauguration ceremony of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and his deputy Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The colourful event which had all the trappings of a global function, attracted top A-list dignitaries from both Nigeria and abroad.
The national anthem was rendered upon the arrival of Vice President Kashim Shettima, to signal the commencement of the inauguration ceremony at exactly 1:25 pm.
Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, later took their oath of office administered by the State Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa, the state capital.
More To Be Done,’ Gov Diri Says as he assured the people of his administrations renewed determination to deliver more projects in his Second Term. Diri admitted that he worked during the first tenure, but however, admitted that more needs to be done, promising not to let the people down.
“We achieved remarkable milestones in various sectors during our first term, we also recognize that there is still more to be done,” he said.
“We can say with humility that in the last four years, we did not merely count the years, we have made the year’s truly count.”
Giving his scorecard, Diri explained that the state government worked so hard to change the narratives and improve the conditions of the infrastructural facilities for the overall good of Bayelsa State.
The governor also recalled that his administration provided employment opportunities for the people, dealt decisively with the state’s security challenges as well as tackled what he described as disunity in the Niger Delta State.
“Four years later, we can modestly tell ourselves that we have done well. This could not have been possible without your support.
“Like the legendary footballer Pele once said, no individual can win a game by himself alone. The synergy and trust among us made it possible for us to come thus far,” he added.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion included Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan, Vice President of Liberia, Jeremiah Koung.
Governors in attendance were Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Mohammed Bago (Niger), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), AbdulRahman AbdulRazak (Kwara), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa).
Others included Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Hyacinth Alia (Benue) and Uba Sani (Kaduna).
Former Senate Presidents Bukola Saraki and Adolfus Wabara who is now Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees as well as other National and state leaders of the party also graced the occasion.
After a resounding victory at the polls, where he polled a total of 175,196 votes to defeat his main rival, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, Diri, is ever determined to deliver with precision on the socio-economic and infrastructural development of the State.
A fair assessment of his administration in the past four years succinctly shows that he has redefined governance, delivering landmark development projects and improving the well-being of the people in the critical areas of road infrastructures, education, healthcare, security, sports, rural development, urban renewal and empowerment.
