I Declined Rituals Offer To Become Bayelsa Governor – Diri Reveals

Governor Douye Diri, popularly referred to as the “Miracle Governor,” has attributed his rise to the governorship of Bayelsa State to his unwavering faith in God, despite intense pressure to seek spiritual assistance elsewhere. Speaking during the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area (KOLGA) Annual Day of Thanksgiving in Sampou, his hometown, Diri shared a personal story about rejecting a senior Nigerian figure’s proposal to perform rituals in 2020 while he was challenging the declaration of the APC governorship candidate as the election winner.

The governor disclosed that the senior figure had brought marabouts from Senegal for the rituals, demanding he comply to secure his political ambition. Diri refused, citing his strong faith in God, even though the man angrily insisted he would never become governor. When the man requested a refund for his expenses, the governor paid him $10,000. However, when the Supreme Court declared Diri the rightful winner, the man was reportedly shocked and never reached out to him again before his eventual passing.

Diri used the story to encourage politicians to trust in God rather than seeking power through questionable means. He also praised the KOLGA community for their thanksgiving culture, which has now been institutionalized through legislation making January 17 an official thanksgiving day for the local government.

The event was graced by prominent personalities, including Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, state lawmakers, and key government officials. Apostle David Zilly Aggrey, who delivered the sermon, emphasized the importance of gratitude, particularly among the younger generation who might not fully understand the struggles of the past. He commended Governor Diri’s leadership, which he said has brought significant development to Bayelsa State.

Governor Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peaceful politics and urged political players to recognize God’s authority in determining leaders.