Without any hint of regret, former President Goodluck Jonathan confidently stated that he owes no apologies to anyone for his unequivocal support and endorsement of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s re-election in the November 11, 2023, off-season governorship polls.
Defending his decision, Jonathan argued that endorsing the governor was justified, pointing to the substantial support from the majority of the state’s population for his continuity in office.
His remarks were made during the visit of Governor Diri and a prominent delegation expressing gratitude, held at his Yenagoa residence on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, it was reported that Patience, the wife of the former President, was present to receive the governor and his entourage.
The Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Diri, emerged victorious in the election, securing 175,196 votes and surpassing his closest rival, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, who garnered 110,108 votes.
Jonathan clarified that his public endorsement of Diri’s candidacy during the campaigns was driven by the visionary leadership demonstrated by Diri in managing the state’s affairs.
He asserted that the governor’s re-election was earned through substantial developmental efforts, especially in the context of fostering and preserving peace and stability in the state.
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The former president said, “I did what I did during the governorship election and I have no apologies to anybody because I know that the governor and his team were doing very well, especially in the area of peace and stability of the state. At a time, l became very worried.
“I have not said others did not do well. After all, I was also governor for a little less than one and a half years and also had my challenges.
“Since Diri came on board, the excesses of cult groups, particularly in Yenagoa, have reduced reasonably. If we must move forward, first and foremost, we must handle the issue of security in order to attract investors. I saw that the governor and his team have a vision and he needed to be encouraged to do another four-year term.”
He charged the governor to do more to meet the high expectations of the massive support base for his Prosperity Administration, adding that “to whom much was given, much was expected.”
Responding, Diri appreciated the former president for his support and endorsement, which contributed to the PDP’s victory at the polls.
With optimism, the governor envisioned additional responsibilities for Jonathan in reconciling people both within the country and across Africa, working towards the shared goals of peace and development.
He said, “Your endorsement of a sitting governor was more than billions of naira. And so, having secured that endorsement, we were very sure of victory. We are here to say a big thank you, as that has brought stability in the state.
“So, with the kind of peace and security we have in our state, Bayelsa is ready for private investors to come in.”
Diri took a moment to express his thanks to President Bola Tinubu, acknowledging his instrumental role in facilitating a peaceful, free, and credible election in the state.