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How Jonathan Influenced my Political Journey -Gov Diri

Published

Friday, December 20, 2024 at 07:07 PM

Written by Brenda Izu

How Jonathan Influenced my Political Journey -Gov Diri

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has recounted the significant impact former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan had on his political trajectory.

Diri revealed this on Thursday during the service of Songs done in hononour of late Madam Ani-Gunn Rhoda Ikiogha, mother of Chief Diekivie Ikiogha, a former Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Agriculture in the state.

Addressing attendees, including Dr. Jonathan and his wife, Governor Diri detailed how Jonathan's strategic decisions reshaped his political ambitions, ultimately guiding him to his current position.

He also narrated his longstanding political partnership with Chief Ikiogha under Jonathan's mentorship, noting that their paths diverged when their political goals misaligned.

"I have come a long way with Chief Ikiogha," Diri remarked. "We worked together at some point when he was Chief of Staff, Government House, and I was Deputy Chief of Staff. We have been in politics over this period mostly working together. But there was a time he left me because we had a conflict of interest."

Diri elaborated on a pivotal moment when, despite their plans—with him aiming for the Senate and Ikiogha for the House of Representatives—Jonathan's agenda took precedence.

"Eventually, the former president came with his agenda, and it consumed all of us," he said. This led to Diri's election to the House of Representatives in 2015, as the Senate position was zoned to Yenagoa, affecting Ikiogha's prospects.

Despite past divergences, Diri acknowledged Ikiogha's instrumental role in his 2023 re-election campaign, highlighting the challenges Ikiogha faced, including attacks from opposition forces displeased with his support for Diri.

Reflecting on the late Madam Ikiogha's legacy, Diri described her as a unifying figure who was always accommodating, urging her family to find solace in her devoted Christian life and the positive impact she had on many.

Former President Jonathan also paid tribute, recalling Madam Ikiogha's generosity, especially during Bayelsa's early days as a state. He shared an important memory from 2015, noting, "After losing the presidential election in 2015, she was so saddened by the outcome that she starved herself of food for days."

The service featured a sermon by Pastor Amos Tubogbo of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, who emphasized the importance of living according to God's word.

Chief mourner Dr. Ikiogha expressed gratitude to all who supported his family, including the former president, the state government, and the Redeemed Christian Church of God community.

He noted that his mother would be buried following her wish for a church crusade in her honour at Kpansia Primary School field in Yenagoa.

The memorial service was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Speaker of the House of Assembly Abraham Ingobere, King Amalate Turner, and other top government officials.

Edited By: Chinedu Eze

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How Jonathan Influenced my Political Journey -Gov Diri

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has recounted the significant impact former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan had on his political trajectory.

Diri revealed this on Thursday during the service of Songs done in hononour of late Madam Ani-Gunn Rhoda Ikiogha, mother of Chief Diekivie Ikiogha, a former Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Agriculture in the state.

Addressing attendees, including Dr. Jonathan and his wife, Governor Diri detailed how Jonathan's strategic decisions reshaped his political ambitions, ultimately guiding him to his current position.

He also narrated his longstanding political partnership with Chief Ikiogha under Jonathan's mentorship, noting that their paths diverged when their political goals misaligned.

Diri elaborated on a pivotal moment when, despite their plans—with him aiming for the Senate and Ikiogha for the House of Representatives—Jonathan's agenda took precedence.

"Eventually, the former president came with his agenda, and it consumed all of us," he said. This led to Diri's election to the House of Representatives in 2015, as the Senate position was zoned to Yenagoa, affecting Ikiogha's prospects.

Despite past divergences, Diri acknowledged Ikiogha's instrumental role in his 2023 re-election campaign, highlighting the challenges Ikiogha faced, including attacks from opposition forces displeased with his support for Diri.

Reflecting on the late Madam Ikiogha's legacy, Diri described her as a unifying figure who was always accommodating, urging her family to find solace in her devoted Christian life and the positive impact she had on many.

The service featured a sermon by Pastor Amos Tubogbo of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, who emphasized the importance of living according to God's word.

Chief mourner Dr. Ikiogha expressed gratitude to all who supported his family, including the former president, the state government, and the Redeemed Christian Church of God community.

He noted that his mother would be buried following her wish for a church crusade in her honour at Kpansia Primary School field in Yenagoa.

The memorial service was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Speaker of the House of Assembly Abraham Ingobere, King Amalate Turner, and other top government officials.

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