Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has urged politicians, including himself, to realize that leadership is temporary and make sacrifices to improve people’s lives. He shared this message during a state banquet for the Muslim community’s Eid-al-Adha celebrations.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, emphasized that the banquet was arranged to reflect the values of sacrifice and love associated with the Islamic festival.
Governor Diri expressed concern about the lack of selfless leaders in Nigeria, hindering progress. He called on all Nigerians to practice sacrifice, obedience to God and the government for unity, peace, and development. He urged Muslims to follow Prophet Ibrahim’s example and pray for peace and prosperity in Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
The governor emphasized that the lesson to be learned from Prophet Ibrahim’s story is the importance of making sacrifices for the betterment of society.
He said, “Prophet Ibrahim was obedient to Allah even to the point of sacrificing his son in order to be blessed. So the lesson for us is to be willing to make sacrifice for society to become a better place”.
“If you go to Bauchi State and see the House of the late Tafawa Balewa, you will agree with me that he served selflessly; the same is the story of the Saudauna of Sokoto and our own Chief Melford Okilo, who was the first civilian governor of old Rivers State from Ogbia here”.
“They were all sacrificial leaders who served the people of this country well. But today everybody wants to be served. Everybody that finds him or herself in leadership wants to amass wealth to the detriment of the people”.
” Leaders who sacrifice in Nigeria are no longer there. The leaders we have today want to be served. That is why Nigeria is where it is today. If we really want this country to become better, then we all have to change and learn how to make little sacrifices to one another.”
Rev. Godspower Asingba commended the Bayelsa State Muslim community for supporting Governor Diri’s administration. He wished the Muslims a happy Eid-Al-Adha celebration and encouraged them to promote religious harmony. Malam Usman Ali Galadanchi thanked the administration for supporting the Muslim community during their important religious festival.
