The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, joined thousands of worshippers on the third day of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement’s annual open-air crusade, tagged “Mgbidi 2025,” held in Mgbidi, Oru-West Local Government Area of Imo State.
Addressing the congregation, Governor Diri expressed gratitude to God for His continued grace and guidance in leading Bayelsa State toward greater prosperity.
Pastor Lazarus Muoka, the General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, offered prayers for the governor and his family, asking for divine blessings and continued progress for Bayelsa State.
He commended Governor Diri for his consistent participation in the annual crusade since assuming office.
The governor was accompanied by a delegation that included the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo; Commissioner for Education, Hon. Gentle Emelah; and Commissioner for Special Duties (General Duties), Mazi Johnson Onuma.
The Mgbidi crusade, a hallmark event of the Lord’s Chosen movement, continues to attract participants from across the nation and beyond, fostering spiritual renewal and unity.
In another development the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic death of His Royal Highness Auditor Onakpohor, the Amananaowei (paramount ruler) of the Ofoni Federated Community in Sagbama Local Government Area. The revered monarch lost his life in a fatal accident along the Sagbama-Ekeremor road on Friday.
The incident occurred when the vehicle carrying HRH Onakpohor and about 12 other traditional rulers somersaulted and veered off the road into the bush near Sagbama community.
The delegation was en route to the community of Governor Diri in Sampou for a New Year visit, led by the immediate past governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson.
Emergency responders swiftly transported the accident victims to the Sagbama General Hospital. While some received first aid, those with severe injuries were stabilized and transferred to the Niger Delta Teaching Hospital in Okolobiri for advanced medical care. Tragically, HRH Onakpohor succumbed to his injuries.
Upon receiving the devastating news, Governor Diri immediately directed the cancellation of the planned event and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the monarch's family, the Ofoni Federated Community, and the other accident victims.
The governor, who was briefed on the incident by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, a native of Ofoni, conveyed the state government's grief over the untimely demise of the respected traditional ruler.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri said, "On behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, I deeply sympathize with the family of HRH Auditor Onakpohor and the Ofoni Federated Community. This is a tragic loss not just for Ofoni but for the entire state. Our prayers are with the injured, and we wish them a speedy recovery."
