Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has revealed how he spent $10,000 to reject an offer to perform a ritual in his bid to become governor in 2020. The governor, popularly known as the ‘Miracle Governor’, credited his unwavering faith in God for his eventual victory.
Diri made the revelation on Friday during the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area (KOLGA) Annual Day of Thanksgiving held in his hometown, Sampou.
According to Diri, a senior Nigerian citizen invited him to Abuja in 2020 while he was challenging the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2019 Bayelsa governorship election. At the time, his case was still pending at the Supreme Court.
The governor said the individual advised him to perform certain sacrifices if he wanted to succeed, but he declined, citing his strong Christian beliefs. The man then flew in marabouts from Senegal to perform the rituals on his behalf, but Diri still rejected the offer.
Realizing that he was unwilling to participate, the individual demanded reimbursement for the cost of bringing in the spiritualists. Diri said he had to refund $10,000 before parting ways with the man.
Diri told the gathering that despite declining the ritual, God miraculously made him governor. He recalled how the senior citizen, who had earlier assured him he would never govern Bayelsa without the rituals, was stunned by the Supreme Court ruling that eventually declared him winner.
He added that the man never contacted him again after the judgment and later passed away.
The governor urged politicians to put their trust in God rather than resort to diabolical means to attain power, emphasizing that divine will always prevails.
Speaking further, Diri praised the people of Kolokuma/Opokuma for instituting an annual Thanksgiving Day through legislation, saying the community had many reasons to appreciate God.
He expressed gratitude to Apostle David Zilly Aggrey, who initiated the thanksgiving event, and encouraged politicians to learn from his experience, stressing the importance of faith and gratitude.
The event was attended by prominent personalities, including Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, state lawmakers, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Head of Service Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, and Chief of Staff Dr. Peter Akpe.
Also present were traditional rulers, political leaders, and top government officials, including a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief (Mrs.) Remi Kuku, and the state PDP chairman Solomon Agwana.
In his sermon, Apostle David Zilly Aggrey emphasized the importance of thanksgiving, noting that Bayelsa State is witnessing remarkable development under Governor Diri. He urged the people to remain grateful for God’s blessings and support the government in its quest for progress.
