The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, said the death of his father, Pa Abraham Diri, has broken him. Pa Diri died on Sunday at the age of 88. The governor spoke at his Sampou community home as scores of visitors arrived, including members of the state executive council, security commanders and the state executive of the Peoples Democratic Party.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted Diri as saying he could not hold back tears when he received the sad news. He expressed gratitude to members of his cabinet for sharing in his family’s pain and sadness. Diri noted that his father died while his administration was commemorating three years in office and wished he had lived longer. He explained that the government had planned several activities to mark the anniversary, but the tragic development forced the suspension of all official engagements.
“These are very tough times for us. Death, like rain, falls on every rooftop; it affects both the rich and the poor, the high and the low,” Diri said. “When it happened on Sunday night, I thought I was strong and directed that all engagements should stand. But as an ordinary mortal, I broke down that night. On behalf of my immediate and extended family, as well as the Sampou community, we appreciate your thoughtfulness and your presence to commiserate with us at such short notice.”
Speaking on behalf of the state executive council, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo described Pa Diri’s death as symbolic and divine on the day it occurred. He noted that death is inevitable and that Pa Diri died peacefully without a prolonged health crisis, urging the governor to take solace in the fact that almost all his father’s wishes had been fulfilled. Ewhrudjakpo said the whole state has been thrown into mourning following the octogenarian’s departure and prayed that God grant the Diri family and the Sampou community the fortitude to bear the loss.
The state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lucy Fakoya, led members of the state security council in condolence to the governor. Fakoya said they had learned of the sad incident and that the heads of the various security services in the state decided to stand with the governor and his family in their moment of grief.
Comments are closed for this story.