From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

As part of the continuation of his ‘thank you tour’, the Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri has assured the people of the area that work will continue on the Akaba-Okodi road and a technical College.At Ogbia town, Diri paid glowing tributes to late Okilo, who was governor of the old Rivers State between 1979 to 83 also served as a senator in the fourth Republic representing Bayelsa East in the Red Chamber between 1999 and 2003.

He said the late sage contributed immensely to development of both Rivers and Bayelsa states.He said Okilo was his mentor, who engaged in non-violent politics, always placing the interest of his people above any other consideration.The governor also acknowledged the contributions of Dr Jonathan to the development of Nigeria and Bayelsa, saying his footprints were still visible all over the country 10 years after leaving office.He hailed the former Nigerian leader’s peaceful disposition in politics, which he said has earned him the respect of the international community, and advised politicians to emulate him.Diri urged people of the state to see politics as a means to an end and not the end in itself, stressing that the days of violent politics were over, giving way to people-oriented politics.The state’s helmsman assured the people of Ogbia that his administration will continue to prioritise their welfare, stating that the Akaba-Okodi road and the science and technical college at Opukeme will be completed before the end of his tenure.He expressed gratitude to people of the local government area for their steadfast support and urged them not to be distracted by those bent on sowing seeds of discord among them.”We are here to show our gratitude to you and to appreciate you. Ogbia is a key determinant factor in the politics of Bayelsa.“One of those involved in the struggle of the Ijaw people is from Ogbia. The late Chief Melford Okilo until his death was my mentor. He never fought anybody with guns. He was very peaceful and served his people. We are happy that he affected lives and we are who we are today because of Okilo.“Then came the man who said his office was not worth the blood of any Nigerian, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. In Bayelsa, we respect the people of Ogbia.”Today is for appreciation. The government still thinks about your welfare and I assure you I will inaugurate the Akaba-Okodi road before leaving office.”We have equally shifted emphasis from paper qualification to technical and science education so our children can be empowered. We are establishing one technical college in every local government area and tuition fees, feeding and hostel accommodation is free in all the technical colleges. The one in Ogbia will be completed before we leave office.”Do not be distracted by what some people are doing. The support we have in Ogbia is organic.”In their goodwill messages, House of Assembly members from Ogbia, Hon. Gabriel Ogbara and Hon. Richard Ibegu and the council chairman, Golden Jeremiah, all appreciated Governor Diri for his show of love towards the Ogbia people and assured him of their continuous support.Chairman of the Ogbia Brotherhood, Dr. Azibalogoa Seibofa, thanked the governor for his developmental efforts in the area and appealed to him to complete ongoing projects.