I declined rituals in my governorship bid, says Diri

 Governor Diri Shares How Faith in God Earned Him the ‘Miracle Governor’ Title

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has credited his unwavering faith in God for earning him the nickname ‘miracle governor.’

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, on Saturday, Diri shared this testimony during the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area’s Annual Thanksgiving Day, held on Friday in Sampou.

The governor recounted an incident in 2020 when a senior Nigerian figure invited him to Abuja and suggested he perform certain rituals to secure the governorship. Diri, who was at the time contesting the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate’s victory in the November 2019 election, firmly declined the offer as the case was still before the Supreme Court.

According to him, the individual had arranged for marabouts from Senegal to conduct the rituals. When Diri rejected the proposal outright, the man insisted he reimburse the $10,000 spent on bringing them into Nigeria, which Diri eventually paid.

Reflecting on the event, the governor emphasized that his steadfast belief in God kept him from seeking alternative means of securing power. Against all odds, he said, God proved His faithfulness, reinforcing the importance of trusting in divine guidance rather than human interventions.

Diri also highlighted the progress Kolokuma/Opokuma has experienced, emphasizing the significance of gratitude. He commended the local government for legally institutionalizing Thanksgiving Day through legislation.

Additionally, he expressed appreciation for Apostle David Zilly Aggrey, leader of the Royal House of Grace Church, for initiating and sustaining the annual thanksgiving event.

‘Faith in God Overcomes All Odds’

Speaking at the event, Diri stated:

“I am grateful to God and to Apostle David Zilly Aggrey for starting this event. His prayers were answered, and today, by law, the people of Kolokuma/Opokuma can come together to honor God.”

The governor recounted his Abuja experience, explaining:

“A senior citizen once invited me and suggested I make certain sacrifices to secure my position, but I refused because of my faith. He became furious and declared I would never become governor.”

“He later demanded I refund the $10,000 he spent bringing people for the ritual. I agreed and paid him back. When the Supreme Court ruling came in my favor, the man was in disbelief and never reached out to me again. Sadly, he later passed away.”

Diri urged politicians to remain civil and trust in God’s will, stressing that no one knows whom God has destined for greatness.

Thanksgiving and Recognition of Divine Favor

In his remarks, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Chairman, Tariye Lelei, emphasized that the community has every reason to be thankful for having a governor from their region. He noted that their gratitude to God led them to enact a law designating January 17 as an annual Thanksgiving Day.

Apostle David Aggrey, delivering the sermon, highlighted that younger generations may not fully grasp the struggles their elders endured. He emphasized that failing to express gratitude for divine blessings could be seen as ingratitude.

Aggrey also praised the visible development in Bayelsa under Governor Diri’s leadership and thanked the people for granting him the opportunity to serve a second term.