Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State and candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for the November 11, governorship election, Douye Diri, stormed Kaiama the headquarters of his native Local Government Area, Kolokuma/Opokuma for his re-election campaigns at the weekend.
Governor Diri, whose campaign train’s entry into Kaiama Headquarters of the Kolokuma/Opokuma local government Area, was grandiose, however, cautioned traditional rulers against partisan politics.
Governor Diri made the call shortly after the Monarchs in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State conferred chieftaincy titles on him and his deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewrudjakpor.
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He urged them to guard against partisan utterances or getting involved in partisan politics.
They should operate within extant laws, he cautioned them .
In his words, “For our traditional rulers, I have been saying it that the traditional institution must not be involved in politics.
“You can receive and pray for anybody but you should not go beyond that. Traditional rulers should not be partisan”, said Governor Diri who was conferred the title ‘Olotu Kpekpe 1’ (the one and only champion) of Kolokuma/Opokuma while his deputy received the title ‘Kuro Okpo 1’ (Strong one) of Kolokuma/Opokuma.
The conferment ceremony took place at the palace of the Ibedaowei of Kolokuma Kingdom, King Mozi Agara, in Kaiama Community .
The monarchs prayed and wished the governor and his deputy well as they go into the governorship election on November 11.
It would be recalled that Governor Diri had ordered an investigation of the traditional ruler of Opokuma community a fortnight ago following his comments that were allegedly against the government while receiving Chief Timipre Sylva of the APC in his palace.
Odi Community, one of the largest in the Council and very strategic, including Opokuma and Sabagreia communitie,s were the ports of call before the rally got to Kaiama.
Governor Diri told the mammoth crowed that he was not there to campaign but to thank them for their support since he came on board as governor.
He also expressed confidence that on November 11, people of the communities would vote overwhelmingly for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and urged them to maintain the peace before, during and after the election and assured them of more developmental projects.
The governor, whose speech was coded in his Ijaw dialect, also said he did not come for war but to rejoice with his people.
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Throughout his about one hour stay on the podium, Governor Diri started the rendition of various Ijaw native and that of gospel songs which were immediately taken over by the musicians who are specialists on the songs .
He did not, however, promise them what he would bring for them if voted into office for second tenure but assured them of more developmental activities in the community which is the birth place of the legendary Isaac Adaka Boro, and seen as the hot bed of Ijaw struggle .
“We are not in Kolokuma/Opokuma to campaign. We came to greet our people and spend time with them.
“We thank you for your support over the years and we promise not to let you down. We are also confident that you will continue to support us.
Governor Diri and wife, and his deputy Ewrudjakpo, including other top PDP stalwarts, Hon. Fred Agbedi, the incumbent House of Reps member representing Sagbama /Ekeremor Federal Constituency, were all on the podium to sing and dance .
Governor Diri however said that his home-coming was not for campaigns, but he told the ecstatic crowd that the battle ahead was not his but for the Almighty God to take charge.
He urged them to always thank God for him.
Earlier at Odi, the home town of a former Speaker of the House Of Assembly, Dr. Tonye Isenah, as well as the serving Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, Mr. Moses Teibowei, said the people came out to thank the governor for his administration’s projects in the community, which included internal road, solar-powered street lights and the shore protection project that saved the people from flooding this year.
The campaigns later terminated at his home town Sampou Community amidst dancing and singing by various interest groups in the party , Senator later unveiled the Government Technical Collage as well as completed internal roads as the council of chiefs led by the paramount ruler of the community, Chief F.C.O Usikoromugha, prayed for the governor and his deputy ahead of the election.
Several projects were commissioned during the campaign rallies to various communities in the area.
It was also the climax of the rallies in Constituency 1 of the Council .
