Follow Us on Google
• Jonathan, Alaibe, Wabara dignitaries in Bayelsa
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Governor Douye Diri’s community, Sampou in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State s agog as the governor’s father Pa Abraham Diri is being buried today.
The burial rites which began on Monday has attracted former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Patience, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC), Mr Ndutimi Alaibe, former Senate President and Chairman Board of Trustees PDP, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Equitorial Guinea, Steve Akpana and his wife, Inspector General of Police, Alkali Ahmed Baba represented by the new Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Romokere Ibani, president, Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, elder statesman and Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark represented by Amb. Boladei Igali, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Michael Zuokumor, retired Justice of the Supreme Court Justice Francis Tabai.
Pa Diri, who passed on February 12, 2023 aged 88, was a devout Christian and a Lay Reader in the Anglican Church of Nigeria.
Speaking at the Service of Songs, Wabara noted that Pa Diri’s first three names – Abraham, Joseph and Michael – reflected his true Christian background.
He said: “Pa Diri believed in education and groomed his children well, which was why he was referred to as a no-nonsense headmaster.”
Senator Wabara also stated that one of the late octogenarian’s dreams was to become a councillor, which he could not achieve, but must have been fulfilled seeing his son emerge as Bayelsa governor.
Also, chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council and immediate past deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), described Pa Diri as a disciplinarian.
The commendation service billed for Saturday is expected to attract governors both within the People’s Democratic Party and the All Progressive Congress, and members of the National Assembly.
Already former governor of the state and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson arrived Yenagoa Friday evening with some members of the National Assembly.
A combined team of Nigeria Police, Nigeria Army and the Department of State Security has beefed up security along the East/ west road leading to Sampou.
He said the late Diri’s sterling qualities reflect in the governance style of his son, Senator Diri, who exudes humility and forthrightness.
According to him, “we have all lost a great father. My prayer for the family is that they should continue to cherish his loving and fond memories.”
In a sermon titled, “The Undisputable Fate of Man,” Rt. Rev Victor Ebipadei Okporu, praised Pa Diri’s selfless services to his community, particularly in the Anglican Church where he served as a Lay Reader.
“Pa Diri was so humble and committed to the things of God and he was not paid but only given a honorarium.”
