Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stood firm in his decision to endorse the re-election of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, in the November 11, 2023, governorship election, asserting that it was the right call given the governor’s widespread support among the people of Bayelsa.
This declaration came on Tuesday during a visit by Governor Diri and a high-level delegation to Jonathan’s residence in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. The former president explained his public endorsement during the election campaigns, citing Governor Diri’s visionary leadership and effective management of state affairs as pivotal factors.
Accompanied by Dame Patience Jonathan, his wife, the former president emphasized, “I did what I did during the governorship election, and I have no apologies to anybody because I know that the governor and his team were doing very well, especially in the area of peace and stability of the state.”
Jonathan praised the reduction of excesses by cult groups in Yenagoa since Diri assumed office, underscoring the importance of addressing security issues to attract investors for the state’s progress.
He charged the governor to surpass the expectations of his vast support base, stating, “To whom much was given, much was expected.”
In response, Governor Diri expressed gratitude for Jonathan’s support, acknowledging the endorsement as a significant contribution to the Peoples Democratic Party’s victory. He emphasized the stability the endorsement brought to the state and declared Bayelsa ready for private investors due to the prevailing peace and security.
Diri expressed optimism about Jonathan playing more roles in reconciling people across the country and the African continent for peace and development. He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a peaceful, free, and credible election in the state.
The governor’s entourage included National Assembly members, former state assembly members, PDP caucus chairmen, traditional rulers, and state executive council members, reflecting a diverse representation of Bayelsa’s leadership and support for Governor Diri’s administration.
