Former president Dr Goodluck Jonathan has declared that he owes no one apologies for supporting the re-election of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, in the November 11, 2023 off-cycle governorship poll in the state.
According to him, it was the right thing to do as Governor Diri had the support of the majority of the Bayelsans to continue in office.
Jonathan stated this when Diri led top government functionaries to his residence in Yenagoa as part of Yuletide visit.
Jonathan in company of his wife, Mrs Patience Jonathan during the visit explained that he publicly endorsed Diri’s candidature during the campaigns because of his visionary leadership demonstrated in handling the affairs of the state.
He noted that Diri deserved to be re-elected for his developmental efforts, particularly for ensuring peace and stability in the state.
He said: “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 the time, l became very worried.
“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 had a vision and he needed to be encouraged to do another four-year term.”
Jonathan charged the governor to do more to meet the high expectations of the massive support base for his Prosperity Administration, adding that “to whom much was given, much was expected.”
In his response, Senator Douye Diri expressed appreciation to the former president for his support and endorsement, which contributed to the People’s Democratic Party’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 kind of peace and security we have in our state, Bayelsa is ready for private investors to come in.”
The state’s helmsman expressed the optimism that Jonathan would have more roles to play in reconciling people in the country and the African continent to ensure peace and development.
