2023: Bayelsa gov. cautions politicians against blackmail
......Says 'Elections will come and go'
Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa
As the 2023 elections draw near, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has decried the spate of blackmail among politicians in the state.
Governor Diri expressed his worries, on Tuesday, during the Service of Songs in honour of the late Mama Bebeapere Agbedi, mother of the Member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Fred Agbedi, in Yenagoa.
He also cautioned political actors to desist from character assassination and blackmail in their quest for power in the state.
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According to him, it was appalling how some politicians in the state have resorted to maligning the character of opposition party contestants and members in the guise of political campaigns.
Governor Diri who appeared quite emotional in the course of the speech noted that elections would come and go but the people would remain brothers and sisters.
The best path to living a long and fulfilled life was showing love and appreciation for one another, added the governor who emphasised that as long as power comes only from God, nobody can overturn what has been divinely ordained for the state.
Said her, “Political times are here and there is so much in the air – propaganda, lies and blackmails. You do not know which one to believe anymore. That was not the kind of life Mama lived.
“The fact you want a political office should not make you to malign the character of another person. Elections will come and go, as I always say, but we will all remain brothers and sisters.
“For me, the best path to tread and best way towards living the kind of life that we are celebrating today is to continue to show love and appreciation. No matter who is blocking it, when God says this is yours, nobody can stop it.”
Extolling the virtues of the deceased, who lived 111 years, Governor Diri described her as a ‘quintessential woman’, who made a lot of sacrifice for mankind.
He noted that if anyone would like to live long life like the late Mama Bebeapere Agbedi, he or she should show love, forgiveness in all endeavour, be prepared to make sacrifices.and discipline
In a Sermon titled: ‘A Good Name’, Bishop Dotimi Egbegi said for one to be spoken well of after death, the individual must have a good name while alive.
Bishop Egbegi noted that people can only amend their ways while alive and by living for others in order to bequeath legacies that cannot be altered.
Giving a testimony about his mother, Dr. Agbedi she instilled discipline in him and his siblings as well as investing meaningfully in their educational advancements.
The federal lawmaker described his late mother as a ‘principled’ but humble woman, a trait that he said is also found in him.
He thanked the governor for demonstrating love and support towards him and his family by his presence at the event to honour their matriarch.
Also present at the solemn gathering were the Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, past and serving members and colleagues of the chief mourner from the National Assembly, state legislators, chairman of the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Solomon Agwana, members of the state executive council, politicians from different political parties.
Also present was Wife of the former governor of the state Late DSP Margret Alamieyeseigha, as well as top government functionaries and members of the clergy.
