Only a God-Fearing Person Will Succeed Me as Bayelsa Governor, Says Diri
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has declared that only a God-fearing person will succeed him, urging aspirants for the state’s top office to seek divine guidance and approval.
Diri made the statement on Monday, 2 November 2026, during the state’s 15th annual Thanksgiving service held at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene-Yenagoa.
He said Bayelsa had been committed to God and that the Almighty would have the final say in the affairs of the state.
“All who want to be governor, go and seek the face of God. Anyone who wants to be governor must be God-fearing. If God said yes, nobody can say no, not even me,” the governor said.
He stressed the need for residents of the state to remain united, tolerant and peaceful, describing these values as essential for meaningful development.
Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positively impacting the lives of the people and noted that the state possesses one of the best environments for growth in Nigeria.
The governor thanked the people of Bayelsa for their support over the past six-plus years of his administration.
He observed that those familiar with the old Yenagoa and Bayelsa could appreciate the visible differences in development today.
“Let us continue to worship God. Let us be tolerant and patient as we will become victorious at the end of the day. The Bible itself recognises that it is good to give thanks to the Lord. Today we came to say thank you, Father,” he added.
Guest preacher and former state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, delivered a sermon titled “Called to be Good Christians and Good Citizens.”
He described Bayelsa as abundantly blessed with natural and human resources and said a God-fearing leader would help the state attain its full potential.
Bayelsa’s next governorship election is scheduled as an off-cycle poll a few months after the 2027 general elections.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
