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Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State says politics is an avenue to serve and contribute to the development of society.
The Governor made the remark at the fourteenth Bayelsa State Annual Thanksgiving Service held at the Ecumenical Centre at Igbogene, Yenagoa.
The Thanksgiving service is coming ahead of the formal defection of Governor Douye Diri to the All Progressives Congress on Monday.
Governor Douye Diri who said the people of Bayelsa have every reason to thank God for the prevailing peace and security pointed out that his decision to leave the Peoples’ Democratic Party was for the interest of the State.
The Governor who emphasized the need for unity, urged politicians to eschew the politics of division and bitterness and rather close ranks to develop the State and country.
Governor Diri called for politics of tolerance and maturity in response to earlier remarks by the Minister.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Oil, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri reminded politicians to weigh the consequences before taking decisions, stating that the Governor’s alignment to the centre was for the good of the State.
The Minister warned against disloyalty to the Governor in a veiled jab at the Deputy Governor who have chosen to remain at the Peoples’ Democratic Party rather than join Governor Diri to resign from the PDP.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack said Bayelsa has every cause to thank God for the blessings to the State.
Founder of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Bishop Mike Okonkwo in a sermon quoted from various books of the Bible including Psalm 100, verses 1 to 5, highlighted the importance of Thanksgiving to God.
The 14th Bayelsa State Annual Thanksgiving featured praise and worship and choir Ministration from renowned gospel artiste, Asu Ekiye and the Bayelsa Choir.
Meanwhile, arrangements have been concluded for Governor Douye Diri to formally move to the All Progressives Congress on Monday with a reception planned for the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in the Bayelsa State capital.
