By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has commended the various sub-committees, political and critical stakeholders, traditional institutions and residents of the state for contributing to the success of the state’s 30th anniversary celebration.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, conveyed the appreciation on behalf of Governor Douye Diri on Tuesday at Government House, Yenagoa, during a meeting with chairmen and members of the various committees responsible for planning and executing the four-day anniversary programme.
Akpe described the celebration as a defining moment in the history of Bayelsa, saying the peaceful and colourful events demonstrated the unity, cooperation and collective spirit of the people.
He particularly appreciated former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, members of the National Assembly from Bayelsa and other parts of the country, as well as the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, for identifying with the state during the anniversary.
The Deputy Governor also commended the eight local government council chairmen and their Rural Development Authority (RDA) counterparts, as well as residents across the state, for supporting the government and ensuring that the celebration was memorable.
According to him, the successful anniversary marked the beginning of a new chapter of unity, development and progress for Bayelsa.
Akpe attributed the peaceful conduct and favourable weather experienced throughout the celebrations to divine intervention, noting that despite the large crowds and series of activities, there were no reported cases of fighting, major accidents or other incidents capable of disrupting the events.
He said, “We thank the Almighty God who has given us the grace and privilege to be alive to witness the 30th anniversary of our dear state.
“Nothing happens by coincidence; it is planned by God. That we are the ones here in the 30th year of the creation of Bayelsa is not by any form of coincidence.
“We just want to appreciate everybody for keying in. I believe it was clear to the whole world, first to all of us, that God loves Bayelsa. All the testimonies are clear concerning this programme.
“First is the weather. When we were talking about this programme, a lot of people were sceptical. They were thinking that the rains would drive us into umbrellas or canopies and distort the flow of the programme. We saw God in action.”
He also noted that the anniversary provided an opportunity for Bayelsans and other stakeholders who had not seen one another for years to reunite.
“We also saw unity and synergy. A lot of us who had not seen ourselves for a long time saw ourselves once again in the celebration.
“In such a mammoth gathering, we didn’t see any fighting, boxing or casualties of any kind all through the events,” Akpe added.
The Deputy Governor further thanked Governor Diri for approving and supporting the anniversary programme, describing the celebration as an opportunity for Bayelsans to reflect on the journey of the state since its creation in 1996.
He said the government was particularly grateful to former President Jonathan and his wife for participating in the anniversary activities, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and National Assembly who travelled from different parts of the country to join the celebration
