51 He attributed the success recorded by INEC in the governorship and House of Assembly elections to the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). "I want to commend you for this innovation. Although we had little hitches here and there, I believe going forward, INEC should ensure that ad hoc staff, including their staff, are given proper training early enough so that the hitches experienced, most especially during the pr e sidenti a l e l e c t i o n , w i l l n o t b e e x p e ri e n c e d i n f u t u r e elections," he pointed out. The incoming Governor described his emergence as a resounding reaffirmation of the people's support for continuity and consolidation of the new Rivers vision of the G o v e r n o r W i k e administration. Thanking Wike for his sterling performance in office which he said ensured his victory at the polls, he declared: "We will ensure that, though the bar had been raised before us, we will also raise the bar for whoever is going to take-over from us.” In her remarks, the INEC National Commissioner, Agbamuche-Mbu, told the winners to realise that being successfully elected into an office is a call to service. "Beyond the excitement of your new position and office, you must commit to good leadership and you must ensure the trust and vote of the electorate are reciprocated with good gove rnanc e , security of life, positive human and infrastructural development in Rivers State and Nigeria by extension," she further counselled. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the State, Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem, advised the elected officials to be magnanimous in victory and ensure they “run an inclusive government at all levels.” Profile of SirAmaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara Born on January 28, 1975 in Opobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara is an accountant and a technocrat who rose to serve as the Accountant-general of Rivers State. At birth, he was christened Siminalayi which, in OpoboIbani dialect, translates as ‘the poor may beget the rich'. He is the second of five Fubara receives Certificate of Return from INEC National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu
52 children and the first son of late Joseph Fubara, a former soldier who had an overseas training tour of duty, and late Love Fubara, a civil servant. Both of his parents were descendants of Fubara and Jaja families of Opobo Town. Fubara enjoyed a long, meritorious career in the state civil service, gradually rising through the ranks until he was appointed the accountantgeneral in 2020. His service career, which spanned a total of 18 years, began in 2003 when he was appointed as a classroom teacher by the Rivers State Post-Primary Schools Board, a n d p o s t e d t o t h e Comprehensive High School, Alesa-Eleme. He taught there for five years and transferred his service in 2007 from the board to the Ministry of Finance on the rank of Senior Accountant. He was senior accountant before being promoted as Principal Accountant. He was l a t e r p r o m o t e d C h i e f A c c o u n t a n t , A ssist a n t Director, Deputy Director and Director respectively. He became Permanent Secretary before being appointed Accountant-general The Governor-elect has Master of Science degree in Finance as well as master of Business Administration, both from the University of Port Harcourt Business School. He also has a Post G r a d u a t e D i p l o m a i n Accounting from Enugu State University of Science and Technology. Also, he has a degree in Business Education with specialisation in accountancy from the former Rivers State University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University). He attended Comprehensive Secondary School, Opobo, where he obtained the West African School Certificate in 1992, and Opobo Primary School where he obtained his F i rst S c h o o l L e a v i n g Certificate in 1986. He is a fellow of Nigeria Institute of Management ( F N I M ) , f e l l o w o f Association of National Accountants of Nigeria ( F C N A ) a n d f e l l o w , Ch a rt e r e d I n st i t u t e o f Taxation of Nigeria (FCTI). He has attended several professional conferences, seminars, workshops and tr a i n i n g p r o g r a m m e s, i n c l u d i n g t h e F e d e r a l Rivers State Gov-elect Fubara [2nd right] and wife, Gov. Wike and Deputy Gov.-Elect Prof. Odu (far left) displaying their Certificate of Return
53 Government national training workshops on public finance management at the Federal Treasury Academy, Orozo, Abuja; Rivers State Ministry o f F i n a n c e t r a i n i n g programme on international public sector accounting standards and financial Euromoney training; and R i v e r s S t a t e Government/Transglobal Business Solution Limited tr a i n i n g w o r k s h o p o n d e v e l o p m e n t a n d performance measurement in Rivers State public finance sector. Political and socio-religious involvements F u b a r a ’s d e c a d e -l o n g involvement in politics has essentially been that of a st a u n c h d emo c r a t wh o believes in the power of the people. This explains his unrelenting focus on the grassroots. He is a strong member of the PDP in Rivers State. Adevoted Christian, Fubara is o f t h e An g l i c a n f a i t h , fortuitously growing up with the Anglican Church in O p o b o To w n . H e w a s bestowed with the prestigious Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC) order of the Anglican Communion of Nigeria by the Evo Diocese of the Anglican Communion in recognition of his service to humanity and the communion. He is also a sponsor and patron of the Women Prayer Network in Opobo Town dedicated to supplicating for peace and progress of the town and its people. Fubara is married to Valerie Fubara and they are blessed with three children. Fubara's 2023 Manifesto His 37-page manif e sto borders on good governance being the primary driver of human security and social progress, and a participatory government that will enable residents to relate directly with his administration. O t h e r p r i o r i t i e s a r e i n d u s t r i a l i s a t i o n , infr a struc tur e proj e c ts, sustenance of the new Rivers vision on intensive road development programmes with more roads, bridges, and fl y o v e r s ; e d u c a t i o n , h e a l t h c a r e , y o u t h d e v e l o p m e n t a n d empowerment, agriculture and food security, partnership investment in provision of affordable houses for citizens and a captivating security architecture etc. All political drama and scenarios before and up to the gubernatorial election all turned out in favour of Fubara. Rivers Gov-elect Fubara with family and friends at thanksgiving service
By Amina Yahaya Okeke he people of Taraba State Thave again chosen to align their trust with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by electing its governorship candidate, Agbu Kefas, in the last gubernatorial election, in the State. Kefas polled 257,926 votes to defeat Muhammad Yahaya of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) who scored 202,277 votes to come s e cond. Sena tor Emmanuel Bwacha of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 141,502 votes. Following his declaration as the winner of the election by Taraba State Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Muhammed Abdulaziz, Kefas, a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Nigerian Army, called on his cocontestants in the race to join hands with him to move the State forward. According to him, his victory was an indication of the dominance and good work that the present PDP administration has been doing in the State since 1999. He said: “I am grateful to God for the victory; I will do more for the people of the State to defend the mandate. I will ensure I succeed to make PDP proud. The efforts of the Taraba people who voted for me will not go in vain. “The people should have trust in us and give us maximum support; the victory is for all of us. Let my opponents come, let us work with their developmental ideas for the good of our State.” The presentation of the Certificate of Return to the Governor-elect elicited jubilation among some residents in the State. The event, which took place at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Jalingo, marked another milestone in the State's electoral history. The Governor-elect, surrounded by a strong entourage of advisers, family members and supporters, came out in their numbers to celebrate the historic occasion. Since he won the election, notable politicians in the State h a v e b e e n s e n d i n g congratulatory messages to Agbu Kefas. Many of them expressed hope that Taraba State will witness progress and accelerated development under his leadership. 54
Gov-Elect Kefas Pro fil e Of Agbu Ke f a s, Governor-Elect, Taraba State Born on November 12, 1970, Agbu Kefas is a Nigerian politician, retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Nigerian Army and the former PDP State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Taraba State. Early Life and Education Agbu Kefas was born on 12 November 1970, in Wukari, Taraba State (former Gongola State) to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Kefas. His family is renowned for great strides and achievements in the military and public service. He is a product of some of the most reputable institutions of learning in Nigeria, namely the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Defense Studies in 1994; the University of Ibadan in Oyo State, where he bagged a Ma st e rs Degr e e in Lega l Criminology and Security Psychology in 2005 and the Delta State University, Abraka, where he obtained a Masters Degree in Public Administration in 2008. Also, he has a number of prestigious executive education certifications from global institutions like Harvard Kennedy School in US. Political Career Agbu Kefas retired from the Nigerian Army after 21 years of service. Upon his retirement, he wa s appoint ed Cha irman, Governing Board of Directors, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) between 2013 and 2015. He was also a member of the Presidential Committee on North-East Initiative from 2016 to 2019 before he fully joined politics by emerging the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Taraba State, in 2020. In 2022, Agbu Kefas contested in the Taraba State PDP gubernatorial primary election and won. He is married to Patience and they have four children. KEFAS AGBU'S MANIFESTO The Taraba State Governor-elect, Col. Kefas Agbu, in his 2023 manifesto, promised to ensure free and compulsory basic education for citizens of the State. Since his blueprint for a new Taraba will not be realised if the people of the State are not educated, Kefas has vowed to make primary and post primary education free and compulsory to lay an enduring academic foundation that would place Taraba State among contending states in the global standard of education to attract technology driven economy. According to him, technology driven economic plan for the State can only be realistic if quality education is put in place to train young entrepreneurs that can explore ideas that would boost the State economy in all sectors of development. “My plan for a technology driven economy that would ensure the realisation of a new Taraba can only be realised if education is prioritised. I will make primary and post primary education free and compulsory to lay a year long academic foundation that would place Taraba among contending states in the global standard of education to attract technology driven economy. 55
“In doing this, I will bring experts t h a t w o u l d tr a i n y o u n g entrepreneurs that can explore ideas that would boost the state economy in all sectors of development. I believe that quality and compulsory education for Tarabans would place Taraba above great Nigerian states in all sectors of development. “I will harness the potential in agriculture and its attractiveness to both local and foreign investors. I will ensure that mechanised farming is established to boost farming business. I am already discussing with experts to deepen the idea to introduce mechanised farming within the first year of my administration. “All the economic development plans of my blueprint is targeted towa rds building a solid foundation of development for the youth. My government will be youth focused; the youth will be well represented. I will prioritise youth empowerment and provide mentorship programmes for them,” Agbu promised. The PDP Governor-elect also lamented the plight of pensioners and promised to tackle it within the shortest possible time in office. He said, “I am a retired civil servant and I know how I feel any time I receive an alert of my pension. It makes me feel that my services to Nigeria are being appreciated. With this in mind, I will make sure the problems with Taraba Pensioners are properly taken care of. “Governance is a continuity. His Excellency has set the foundation. As we come in, we would look at what is on the ground and continue from that. We would key into 'stomach infrastructure' i n s t e a d o f p h y s i c a l infrastructure so that we don't end up with gigantic projects and unhealthy people,” Agbu said. T h e b u i l d u p t o t h e Governorship Election Ahead of the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial election in Taraba State, eight political parties collapsed their political structure for Agbu Kefas, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The parties are Accord, ADP, APM, Boot, NRM, ZLP, AAC and YPP. The parties stated that they took the decision to endorse the PDP candidate after a thorough assessment of his manifesto and track record. Gov-Elect Kefas displays his Certificate of Return 56
57 Gov-Elect Kefas with the Aku-Uka of Wukari Kefas presenting his Certificate of The Gov-Elect in the palace of Aku-Uka of Wukari Return to Gov. Darius Ishaku Kefas receiving his Certificate of Return
58 Gov-Elect Kefas Governor, Darius Ishaku, yet he won the contest against all odds. It is a known fact in Nigerian politics that if one does not enjoy the support of an incumbent in office, winning any elective position is a herculean task, a miracle. In a way, you could say that Kefas' victory was miraculous. One of these factors is the enormous goodwill Kefas Agbu enjoys with the people of Taraba State. Among the candidates that contested the election, Kefas Agbu is the only one who is close to the grassroot. Most northern politicians prefer to stay in Abuja but for Kefas, Taraba has been his base since he retired from military service. He has been with the people, contributed immensely to the growth of Taraba State, felt the pain of the people and brought succour to them in the various capacities that he served the people even without being a Governor. He is well known and widely accepted by the Muslim, Christian and traditional believers in the State. For one who has the support of the masses, even if the Governor does not support him, the people will definitely vote massively for him and this is exactly what happened during the governorship election. The people of Taraba State voted for Kefas Agbu. This is one the factors that contributed to his victory. Another factor that gave him victory is his love for the youths. There has never been a time when Taraba youths participated very much in the election process like during the governorship election that was held on Saturday, 18th of March, 2023. Kefas Agbu has been a friend of the youths; he has helped several of them conquer Speaking on behalf of the gubernatorial candidates of the p a rti e s a ft e r si g n i n g t h e endorsement form, Alhaji Kabiru Lau assured Kefas that they would work assiduously to ensure his victory. He stressed that they consulted widely with their party members and supporters who gave their blessings before taking the decision. Expressing his gratitude to the candidates and chairmen of the parties for throwing their weight behind him, Kefas assured them that they would be carried along if he emerged as the Governor of the State. According to him, “I will carry all of you along if I become the Governor. We shall do it together because I cannot do it alone. I will need people around me especially those who have the same mindset with me and can think along with me.” He promised to run an all inclusive administration that would give priority to women and children if given the mandate to govern the State. Kefas noted that his priority on resuming office would be to restore peace and unite the diverse people of the State, as he had restored peace in the Niger Delta while he was in the military, as well as his community in Wukari. Three factors that led to the victory of Kefas Agbu as Governor The process that led to the emergence of Kefas Agbu as Governor-elect of Taraba State is quite unconventional and alien to the political structure of Nigerian politics. Unlike many newly elected Governors, Kefas did not enjoy the support of the incumbent the issue of unemployment, he empowered some of them and supported those with the entrepreneurial zeal among them. For the youths, Kefas Agbu's emergence would mean their interest being protected at all cost, it would mean a better representation for them and as expected, they went all out to vote for their friend. The third factor that paved the way for Kefas Agbu is his accessibility and humility. Even as a military officer, he was a friend of the people. This disposition contributed to his success in maintaining peace in the Niger Delta region as a military officer. An ordinary citizen can get access to, and is sure to get a good reception from him. He is a friend of the p e o p l e a n d d o e s n o t discriminate, unlike other politicians. These critical factors contributed to his victory at the polls.
Kebbi State, announced Lawal as polling 377,726 votes to defeat Matawalle, who scored 311,976 votes. “ H a v i n g s a t i s f i e d t h e requirements of the law, Lawal is hereby declared winner and returned elected,” Shehu said. The PDP not only took the governorship, it equally captured the majority seats in the State House of Assembly with 17, against APC's 7 seats. The Governor-elect and the memberselect were presented their certificates of return by INEC on Friday, March 24, 2023. At the occasion, Lawal expressed gratitude to the people of Zamfara for reposing confidence in him and assured his administration would transform the State and tackle the banditry ravaging it. Biography of Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare The Governor-elect was born on September 2, 1965. He is the third child of businessman, Lawal Muhammad Dare, who was one of the biggest names in the textile industry in northern Nigeria. From a very young age, he was t a k e n t o h is m a t e r n a l grandparents in Guga village in Katsina State where he had his primary education, then moved on to Government Secondary School, Kankia. He proceeded to the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, where in 1987, he graduated with a B.Sc degree in Political Science. In 1992, he obtained a master's degree [M. Sc.] in Political Science/International Relations from the same university. He also holds a Ph.D in Business Administration from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and several certificates from many prestigious universities, including the London School of Economics; Harvard Business School, Massachusetts, USA; Wharton Business School, P e n n s y l v a n i a ; O x f o r d University Business School; International Faculty of Finance, London; 59 he upset recorded in the TMarch 18 gubernatorial election in Zamfara State where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)'s Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare beat incumbent Governor Bello Matawalle of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not foretold and came as a surprise to many. As much as it tried in the past, the PDP never won the governorship election in Zamfara until 2019, through the Supreme Court. The sweet victory, when it came, was s h o rt-l i v e d a s G o v e r n o r Matawalle quickly jumped ship to the APC to the disappointment of all. But at the last election, PDP's performance was so glaring that despite the 'rascality' of the electoral umpire, the result could not be doctored or manipulated as witnessed in many other places. In the result declared on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Gusau, the State capital, INEC's returning officer, Prof. Kassimu Shehu, who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi,
September 2012, he became Executive Director, Public Sector (North) of the bank. When Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was Central Bank Governor, Lawal served as his Special Adviser on Islamic banking leading reforms that have since allowed the emergence of Jaiz, TAJ & Lotus banks. Between 2010 and 2011, he rose to become the Executive Vice President, Public Sector (North), of First Bank of Nigeria. He joined the Board of First Bank in 2012 and became the Executive Director, Public Sector (North). In 2014, he vied for the position of MD/CEO of First Bank and lost by just a single vote. At 48, he resigned from the bank. Alongside his very old friend, Munir Umaru Baba, the Zamfara Governor-elect started Credent Capital and Advisory Limited, launched with an initial capital base of $500 million which was about N100 billion. With just 15 skilled staff, they have invested and managed over $2 billion or N1 trillion for over 175 clients across the world since then. He joined partisan politics in the run-up to the 2019 general elections, and aspired to be flagbearer of the APC for the governorship ticket of Zamfara State, and was part of G8 (a coalition of gubernatorial aspirants fighting with then incumbent Governor Abdul'aziz Abubakar Yari). They also started the court proceedings that ended with Supreme Court judgement against the APC. Even though Marafa was the most outspoken in the group, Lawal was the financial muscle of the group. He singlehandedly sponsored 90% of all activities of the G8. D a u d a L a w a l ' s 2 0 2 3 Manifesto details plans to achieve a secure and prosperous Zamfara State, including c r e a t i n g a n e n a b l i n g environment for businesses to thrive and emancipate Zamfara S t a t e fr om i ts c u rr e n t devastating situation. Women i n c l u s i v e n e s s a n d empowerment will form a c a r d i n a l p a r t o f h i s administration with a boost in agricultural production and education reform. 60 Gov-Elect Dauda Lawal Dare Fitch Training, London and New York, and Lagos Business School. He is a fellow, Institute of Credit Administration of Nigeria; fellow, Civilian Institute of Democratic Administr a tion of Ghana ; member, Institute of Directors, Nigeria; member, Institute of Corpor a t e Administr a tion, Nigeria; and African Business Roundtable. He also has an honorary doctorate degree Business Administration (DBA) fr om Usma n u Da n f o d i y o University, Sokoto. He received the prestigious African Achievers Award in 2021 at the Kensington Palace, London. He started his career in 1989 as a Political Education Officer with the Agency for Mass Mobilisation for Social and Economic Reliance Nigeria. Later that year, he joined Westex Nigeria Limited as an Assistant General Manager. In 1994, he was appointed Assistant Consular Officer (Immigration), and later Chief Protocol Officer, Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC, US. Lawal joined First Bank of Nigeria PLC in May 2003 as Relationship Manager (commercial banking) and was at various times Senior Manager, Abuja Area Office; Business Development Manager, Abuja; Principal Manager, Group Head PSG II, Assistant General Manager (Business Development Manager), Maitama; Deputy General Manager (Business D e v e l o p m e n t M a n a g e r ) , Maitama/Group Head, Public Sector, Abuja. Between October 2010 and September 2011, he was elevated to the position of Executive Vice President, Public Sector (North), of First Bank of Nigeria PLC. In
61 PDP's Lawal beats incumbent Gov Matawalle to win Zamfara Poll Gov-Elect Dare displaying his Certificate of Return Presentation of Certificate of Return
HOW DAMAGUM EMERGED PDP ACTING NATIONAL CHAIRMAN By Patrick PA Okon uesday, March 28, the National Working TCommittee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), appointed Amb. Umar Illiya Damagun as its Acting National Chairman. Until his appointment, Damagum was its National Vice Chairman (North), This decision was taken after an emergency meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) held at the party headquarters, Wadata House, Wuse, in Abuja; and the party in its communique read by Debo Ologunagba, the PDP spokesperson, at a press conference said the appointment followed a high court order restraining the embattled national chairman of the party, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, from parading himself as the party’s national chairman, stressing that the appointment is with immediate effect. His words: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at an emergency meeting today, Tuesday, March 28, 2023 acknowledged the Order of the Benue State High Court, dated March 27, 2023 with regards to the Chairmanship position of our great Party. “After a careful consideration of the Court Order and in line with Section 45 (2) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), the NWC resolved that the Deputy National Chairman (North) His Excellency, Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum assumes the National Chairmanship of our Party in an acting capacity with effect from today, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. “The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of our great Party to remain calm and united at this critical time.” Meanwhile, hours before the meeting of the NWC, Senator Ayu, had already stepped aside from office. His decision according to his media spokesman, Simon Imobo Tswam, was in obedience to the Monday order of the High Court in Makurdi, Umar Damagum 62
which asked him (Ayu) to stop parading himself as the PDPnational chairman. The calls for Ayu to vacate office had been a recurring decimal since the 2022 presidential primary election of the party. However, the post-election crisis of the party took a new dimension on Sunday, March 26, when stakeholders of Igyorov Ward in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State suspended Ayu over alleged anti-party activities. The suspension followed a vote of no confidence passed on him by his ward executives at the end of their meeting; backed by a suspension letter dated March 24 and signed by 12 executive members of the ward. Ayu had described the action as an exercise in futility, saying any organ of the party or executive committee of the party at the Ward or State L e v e l c o u l d n o t t a k e a n y disciplinary measure against any member of the party’s National Executive Committee. Born on August 10, 1963 in Damagum (Present Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State), Damagum attended Damagum Central Primary School from 1971-1977 and thereafter proceeded to Government College, Maiduguri for his secondary school education between 1977 and 1982. He later gained an admission into Remedial Studies in the University of Maiduguri (1982- 83), where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts Education (B.A. Education) In 1988. He Studied Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the same university in 2003/2004. He was a Nigerian ambassador to Romania from 2004 to 2007; and in 2019, he contested the gubernatorial election in Yobe state under the PDP, but lost to Mai Mala Buni of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Damagum Ayu . PDP spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba reading the communique 63
BAYELSA GOVERNOR, SIBLINGS PAY TO THEIR FATHER, PA DIRI BY PATRICK PA OKON T he Diri Family and indeed, the entire indigenes of KalamaOwe i Wa ri i n Samp o u C o m m u n i t y i n Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on May 7, 2023, paid l a st r e s p e c ts t o t h e ir patriarch, Lay Reader Pa Abraham Michael Joseph Diri (AJM). Pa Abr aham Diri, who departed mother earth on Sunday, February 12 at the age of 88 years, was a retired He a dma st e r, a d e v o u t C h r i s t i a n , a m a n o f exemplary humility, and the father of the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri. The six-day funeral rites of the late Pa Diri commenced on Wednesday, May 3 with a service of songs at Peace Park in Yenagoa, while his remains were interred on Saturday, May 5 at his residence in Sampou community. Scores of prominent Nigerian leaders trooped into the State to bid farewell to Pa Diri. The attendees at the funeral on May 6, 2023, included a cross-section of leaders including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo; former Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr Goodluck Jonathan alongside his wife, Dame Patience; ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and, Sen. Dr Iyorchia Ayu, acting National - “We Imbibed Our Dad’s Positive Virtues” – Gov. Diri - VP, Ex-Presidents, Govs, Others Bid Farewell to Pa Diri Gov. Diri, wife and others at the funeral 64
Chairman of the PDP Amb. Iliya Damagum as well as the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi. State governors at the funeral were Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, (Sokoto) Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Godwin Obaseki (Edo) and wife, Betty; Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Darius Ishaku (Taraba). The Governors-elect of Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba and Niger States were also present. HARVESTOF TRIBUTES Chief Obasanjo, in his goodwill message delivered by Vice President Osinbajo, described Pa Diri as an exemplary teacher, a Lay Reader and community leader who gave his children proper upbringing; while former President Jonathan, in his remarks, said he was with the bereaved Diri family in appreciating Obasanjo, Osinbajo and all those who came to celebrate and honour the family and the people of the State. He recalled that Pa Diri passed on a day that the present administration was marking its third anniversary and prayed God to strengthen Diri and his family. On his part, former Vice President Atiku said: "There is a special relationship between me and the people of Bayelsa State. l am with you as a family and that is why l am physically here.” He noted that he attended the funeral ceremonies of former Governor of the State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in Amassoma; that of former Governor Seriake Dickson's mother at Toru-Orua and that of Diri's father. In his response, Senator Diri said he and his family, as well as the entire State, were humbled by the large turnout of high-profile dignitaries in his community to bid his father farewell. " W e a r e i n d e e d overwhelmed. There can be no love more than that. I would not have thought even i n t h e w i l d e st o f m y imaginations that there would be a large number of high-profile Nigerians here to celebrate my father." Diri, who described his father as a disciplinarian, noted that he impacted positively on all who crossed his path and they all shared his positive attributes. Other dignitaries who graced the event we r e forme r Bayelsa Governor now Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (centre in white), former President Goodluck Jonathan and wife Dame Patience and VP Yemi Oshinbajo and wife at the funeral 65
senator representing Bayelsa We st, Se n a t o r Se ri a k e Dickson; one-time military administrator of the State, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rt d ); w if e o f f o r m e r Governor, Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha; Managing Director and Country Chair o f S h e l l P e t r o l e u m Development Company, Mr Osagie Okunbor; Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig. Gen. Barry Ndiomu (retd); Senators Uche Ekwunife and Ben Murray-Bruce, as well as t h e PDP g o v e r n o rs h i p candidate in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye. T h e B a y e ls a D e p u t y Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, his wife, Beatrice, Speaker of the H o u s e o f A s s e m b l y , Abraham Ingobere, other state and national lawmakers, the state Acting Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, president, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, Justices of the state high court, commissioners and other top government functionaries, business mogul, High Chief Victor Egukawhore, captains of industry, traditional rulers as well as clerics among others. The Se rvi c e of Songs: Jonathan, Wife led Wabara, Bayelsa Elders, Others… At the service of songs held on Wednesday, May 3, former Nigerian president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, his spouse, Dame Patience, led a coterie of VIPs that included one-time Senate President and Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus W a b a r a , N i g e r i a ’ s Ambassador to Equitorial Guinea, Steve Akpana and his wife. O t h e r p r o m i n e n t pe rsona liti e s we r e the Inspector General of Police, A l k a l i A h m e d B a b a represented by the new Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Romokere Ibani; President, Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba; Elder statesman and Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark represented by Amb. Boladei I g a l i ; r e t ir e d D e p u t y Inspector General of Police, Michael Zuokumor, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Francis Tabai, former Managing Director, Niger D e l t a D e v e l o p m e n t Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Gov. Diri Party Leaders at the Funeral 66
Commission, Chief Timi Alaibe; Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council and immediate past Deputy Governor of the State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha JohnJonah (rtd) and Rt. Rev Victor Ebipadei Okporu, who in a s e r m o n t i t l e d , " T h e Undisputable Fate of Man" praised Pa Diri's selfless services to his community, particularly in the Anglican Church where he served as a Lay Reader. Other notable personalities at the event were Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; the State’s Acting Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; f o r m e r M i l i t a r y Administrator of the State, Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade (rt d ); w if e o f f o r m e r Governor of the State, Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha; Chairman of United Nigeria A irl i n e , P r o f. O b i o r a Okonkwo; State and National A ss emb l y l a wma k e rs, Commissioners; former Military Governor of Rivers State, who was chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, King Alfred DieteSpiff, as well as the current Cgairman of the council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, other traditional rulers, notable clerics and Christian leaders a n d t o p g o v e r n m e n t functionaries. Earlier, personalities who paid condolences to the family include the Bayelsaborn business mogul /CEO of Century Energy Group, Ken Etete; First Bank Nigeria represented by the Group Head, Public Health Director, Nkiru Harris Eze; frontline comedian, I Go Dye and Nollywood actors led by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) president, Emeka Rollas and Ime Bishop Umoh popularly known as Okon Lagos,who on behalf of the guild, Okon Lagos presented a copy of the Holy Bible to the Governor. Gov. Diri and some comedians Former President Jonathan and wife (left) Atiku Abubakar, Gov. Makinde and Diri at the reception of the funeral 67
Gov. Douye Diri Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, Chairman, PDP Governors' Forum/ Governor of Sokoto State Rt. Hon. Signed
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, Chairman, PDP Governors' Forum/ Governor of Sokoto State Rt. Hon. The PDP Governors' Forum heartily congratulates/welcomes all the Governors-elect of our great party to the Forum. We also warmly appreciate the Past Chairmen of the Forum; we are proud of your various contributions at different times.