Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has pledged not to use the State’s funds for personal enrichment in any way.
The Governor made this promise, during the Bayelsa State three-days solemn assembly, which ushers in its Annual Thanksgiving.
While Governor Diri affirmed that, as a public servant, he has no business owning properties abroad, the State’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, also quoted the Governor to have said that, despite receiving several offers to have estates overseas, he has often resisted the temptations to do so, because of his strong conviction that state funds, are meant for state developmental projects, and not for personal gains.
Gov. Douye Diri again emphasized that, he would not compromise his stand on his earlier declaration, not to use state resources for personal reasons other than to see to infrastructural and human development of Bayelsans and the State.
In the words of the Governor,
“I have no reason to own property in London, or in the US. They have come severally and I have always said no.”
”I can buy a property there if I am doing private business, and with my private funds. It is not wrong to own property outside the country, but I will never do it with the public money of Bayelsa.”
He continued,
“We are using our state funds to build roads and schools, to pay salaries, gratuities and pensions to our people. If we do otherwise, then, you have every reason to criticise us.”
Douye Diri urged the good people of Bayelsa State to embrace love above anything, shun all form of ill feelings towards one another, and join hands with his administration for peace and progress in the State.
The solemn assembly featured prayers for the country, Bayelsa State, among other requests raised; while the yearly thanksgiving, tagged, ‘Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day’, which holds every November 2 since 2012, was celebrated accordingly. This year’s edition was the 10th anniversary.