Diri preaches unity, entrepreneurship to kinsmen

From Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has urged the people of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area to eschew politics of bitterness and be united in love.

Diri said the people should take advantage of his administration’s economic policy to be self-reliant in agriculture.

The governor spoke at his Sampou community during the eight edition of the annual KOLGA Day/Thanksgiving Service convened by General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey.

A statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said KOLGA people should recognise God’s hand in his becoming governor and use the opportunity to better their lot.

The statement reads: “This is an event for the Kolokuma/Opokuma people to exude love, unity and peace. Let us not sacrifice our love on the altar of politics. Politics should not be an instrument to divide us.

“You know I was one of the apostles of the move to produce a Kolokuma/Opokuma son as governor, and for over 10 years I was in that movement. I never knew God would say you are the person to lead one day.

“I enjoin other councils to discuss the development of their area. It should not always be what you can get as a person from government. This is the time for us to build the roads, build the bridges and go into agriculture, trading and business.

“What will bring food to the table is agriculture, doing business and having small scale industries. This government is determined to help us move away from relying on politicians and political appointees for assistance.

“The Ijaw man has never been beggarly. The true Ijaw man respects himself and works hard. Likewise our women, who also work to improve their standard of living.”

In his sermon titled ‘Yes, God Can,’ Apostle Zilly-Aggrey stressed that God had always proved Himself to turn around situations that seemed impossible to men.

According to him, Diri becoming governor was a case of God turning things around when man had lost hope.

The cleric admonished the people to make thanksgiving a lifestyle.