Opinion

 

THE HARMLESS SONG OF THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM: THE CASE OF GOV. DOUYE DIRI AND THOSE WHO DO NOT SEE ANYTHING GOOD ABOUT BAYELSA STATE

The great women of Jerusalem sang a victorious song to eulogize the heroic exploits of David in the battles/wars against the enemies of Israel. 

The women sang that "King Saul killed thousands, while David killed tens of thousands". While the women sang from their hearts and souls, they never knew the far reaching negative implications of the song. They never knew that it was a direct challenge to King Saul's military training and prowess in wars. 

The praises that they showered on David pitched him directly against King Saul who resolved to kill him by all means possible. 

After the emergence of Senator Douye Diri as the Flag bearer of the PDP in the 2019 Governorship, there were campaigns of calumny against him even though, he never had personal issues with most Bayelsans including his worst critics. 

The most popular campaign slogan was the fact that "Douye Diri was the stingiest Bayelsan". This one struck deep and did so much damages because money was at the centre. 

His critics never even for once accused him of corruption or embezzlement, diversion or conversion of public wealth because he is not only incorruptible, he is also very prudent. The only thing that they held against him was that he was very stingy. 

Another group believed that he was not passionate about growth and development of Bayelsa state and Bayelsans in general. 

But like the case of the Six Blind Men and the Elephant, all the stories that were held against Senator Douye Diri were all wrong. They were made based on personal grievances, selfishness and out of parochial and primordial sentiments. 

Five (5) years down the line, Very Distinguished Senator Douye Diri has proved all his critics, haters and antagonists wrong. He has performed beyond the expectations of most Bayelsans and Nigerians. 

Bayelsa state is not only the safest state in the country compared to the high level of insecurity in other states, he has turned the whole state to a Construction Site. Roads and Bridges are criss-crossing everywhere. 

Gov. Douye Diri is doing great in the areas of education, health, sports, workers welfare, pensions and gratuity, women and youth empowerments, etc. 

Until the inception of the ASSURED Prosperity Administration, many Bayelsans believed that it was only the Federal Government of Nigeria that could construct roads to Nembe-Brass and Southern Ijaw up to Oporoma, the LGA headquarters. But today, the great people of Nembe-Brass and Southern Ijaw especially the immediate impacted communities are already basking in the euphoria of excitement about those very strategic roads that are so much economically viable. 

For the records, the Nembe-Brass Road and the Yenagoa-Angiama-Otuan-Oporoma Road were conceptualized in the 1960s, over 60years ago but no government was courageous enough to venture into it till the Senator Henry Seriake Dickson Restoration administration started the Yenagoa to Anyama-Ijaw section. 

Till this very moment, multitudes of Bayelsans have not realized the vast potentials and immeasurable impacts that the Nembe-Brass Road and the one to Agge will create in the areas of job creation and the boom of the economy of the state. 

Very importantly, I cannot remember the last time I heard about stinginess of Senator Douye Diri, rather the few insignificant critics of the Governor are complaining that he attends too many burials and spending state funds on burials, wedding, child dedication and others. I mean not those of outsiders but events that are organized by Bayelsans and affects Bayelsans. People are very funny. They also affirm that most of the burials are those of poor people. The Governor is not selective. He does not attend only those of elites, rich people. But I wonder why the Governor did not attend the burial of my late elder sister at Imiringi in February this year, is it that I am not categorized among the poor or what? 

But the above shows the deep connection between the Governor and the masses. This is one exceptional leader that does not see himself as a superior being. He is never alienated or separated from the people, rather he uses every opportunity to express his gratitude to Almighty God and the masses for the great confidence reposed on him as the Chief Custodian of the Commonwealth and Patrimony of the people.

Recently, even his worst critics have joined the chorus that Gov. Douye Diri has performed beyond human measures. 

The ASSURED Prosperity administration is unique in many areas particularly the fact that it has never been in competition with anyone, same way, it does not believe in comparisons. The noble Pilot of the ASSURED Prosperity ship Gov. Douye Diri has a clear vision and compass of the direction and destination it is sailing to. 

Like the women of Jerusalem, the loud commendations and appreciations of the good works of the Miracle and Prosperity Governor is very much in order, but there is need to tune down to avoid distractions, envy, jealousy, sabotages and antagonisms by persons who are not happy with the good works of this administration. 

Most Senior Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli