CAN, Islamic council endorse Diri, deputy for second term

The Bayelsa State chapters of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Council of Islamic Affairs (CIA) in the state have endorsed Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for re-election.

A statement on Wednesday, September 20, by a media aide to the deputy governor, Doubara Atasi, said the two religious bodies spoke glowingly about Diri’s administration during a visit to Government House, Yenagoa.

Speaking on behalf of the two groups, the state chairman of CAN, Rev. Father Joseph Opelema, and his Council for Islamic Affairs counterpart, Alhaji Yakubu Otobo, said the Christian and Muslim communities had jointly resolved to give their full support for the re-election of the governor and his deputy to ensure continuity of the prosperity agenda in Bayelsa State.

The two leaders said the visit was informed by the positive testimonials of the Governor Douye Diri-led administration and to let the leaders know that the joint council was fully behind the re-election of the governor and his deputy.

They remarked that they had seen the direction the state was going, and would do everything within their powers to ensure the continuity and consolidation of the present administration in the state.

They said: “We have come to let you know that our joint councils are behind the state government. We are ready to work with you in any area you need our support.

“The Christian and Muslim community, comprising all the Muslims and Christians in the state have resolved to work for the reelection of Governor Douye Diri and the Deputy Governor. We are going to do everything within our power to ensure the continuity and consolidation of the administration in Bayelsa State.

“So we have come to confirm it to his Excellency, the Governor and to his deputy our decision that we are going to stand with you during the election and even after the election.

“Finally, we assure you of our prayers, our cooperation, our company and our support. We are going to continue to interact with our members to ensure that they also fall in line.”

While reassuring the Bayelsa governor of their fervent prayers, they promised that they would stand by the PDP-led administration all the way to ensure victory in the forthcoming governorship election.

Responding, Governor Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, appreciated his visitors for their kind words of encouragement and support.

Diri was also full of thanks to the foremost Christian and Muslim organizations for their continued support, noting that their endorsement would motivate the administration to do more for the development of the state.

He urged them to stand for the truth at all times for speaking the obvious truth and refrain from isolating themselves from politics for them to contribute to the progress of society.

The governor assured the Christian and Muslim communities that government would give them the necessary support for their prayers and programmes to ensure a peaceful election in the state.