Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, popularly known as the ‘miracle governor’, attributes his political success to his unshakeable faith in God.
At the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area (KOLGA) Annual Day of Thanksgiving in Sampou, he shared his amazing story and lessons on trust and perseverance.
Governor Diri shared a critical moment in 2020 when his faith was put to test. After the declaration of the
APC candidate as the winner of the 2019 governorship election, a top Nigerian politician invited him to Abuja.
According to the governor, the man asked him to perform rituals with the help of marabouts flown in from Senegal, and promised it would give him political victory.
Diri however declined, saying, “My faith in God would not allow me to do it.”
When the elder asked for a refund of the $10,000 spent on the marabouts, Diri obliged.
Reflecting on the Supreme Court’s eventual judgment in his favour, he said, “God proved that He is faithful against all odds.”
That experience, he said, should teach politicians to rely on God and not rituals for success.
KOLGA Annual Day of Thanksgiving is now officially recognized through local law.
Governor Diri thanked Apostle David Aggrey for the initiative, saying, “Because his prayers were answered, God made me to lead and today by law, Kolokuma/Opokuma people can come together to thank God.”
He also advised politicians to be civil and humble, saying, “We don’t know who God has destined for greatness. Let’s be peaceful and trust God’s plans.”
Governor Diri thanked Kolokuma/Opokuma for the progress made under his administration. He urged the people to be thankful and supportive, acknowledging their collective effort as the bedrock of development.
KOLGA Chairman Tariye Lelei concurred, saying the annual thanksgiving was to appreciate God’s blessings and good leadership.
In his message, Apostle David Aggrey told the audience about the sacrifices of the past generations, he said: “The younger generation may not know the challenges their elders went through but we must appreciate the progress we have made. Without gratitude we will be seen as ungrateful.”
He commended Governor Diri and Bayelsa development and urged the community to remain together.
Governor Diri’s story is a proof of faith, gratitude and leadership that shapes the future of a community.