From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Governor Douye Diri in his Christmas message to Bayelsans has warned against violence in the 2023 elections.
Diri who urged the Christian faithful to practice the teachings of Jesus and as much as it is within their power live in peace with all, added that “my administration will continue to be guided by these noble principles in fostering love, reconciliation, unity and togetherness in Bayelsa State as we strive to bring shared prosperity.”
Speaking specifically on the 2023 elections, he implored politicians in Bayelsa and across the country to be tolerant.
“Ahead of the 2023 elections, in the spirit of the occasion of the Christmas celebrations and festivities, I implore politicians in Bayelsa and elsewhere in Nigeria to be tolerant and eschew violent conduct. The election should be a contest of ideas and choices and not an opportunity to settle political scores or an excuse for calumny. Let us seek to enthrone leaders that subscribe to fair contests and reject those who believe that elections should be won no matter the costs. It is not a do-or-die.”
Meanwhile Diri, impressed with the excellent performance of a three-year-old girl, Zoe Ebimie-Eleke, at the state’s Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons has awarded her a scholarship.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, in a press statement quoted him as commending the parents for the values instilled in the toddler.
He said: “To see that very little girl of three years do what she came to exhibit is quite awesome. And henceforth, she would be under the scholarship of the state government.
“I keep making reference to the kind of values we instil in our children. Of course, her parents are imparting good values in this girl and she came to entertain us and to worship God. But this ought to encourage us as parents to live up to our responsibilities.
“Bayelsa would be better if we hand it over to a generation that is better than our own. Let our children not leave this land and refuse to come back home. They can only return if we make it better for them.”