I Thought I Was Very Strong Until Sunday Night – Gov Douye Diri Opens Up On Father’s Death

Following the death of his father, the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has opened up on how he felt about the demise of his father.

The governor said he thought he was very strong until Sunday night when he heard the news of his father’s passing.

Diri said the news broke him down, he could not hold back tears.

The governor as gathered by Naija News revealed how he felt at his Sampou country home when he received members of the state executive council, security commanders and the state executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It would be recalled that the news of the death of his father, Pa Abraham Diri, who died at age 88, broke on Sunday 12 February.

Diri, who expressed his appreciation to members of his cabinet for sharing in his family’s moment of pain and sadness, wished his father lived longer to witness the three years anniversary commemoration of his administration.

The governor, because of the sad incident, said all official engagements and activities lined up to mark the anniversary have been suspended.

He said: “Only yesterday (Sunday), we were at the Ecumenical Centre giving thanks to God for our third anniversary in office. Little did we know that our father would depart.

“These are very tough times for us. Death, like rain, falls on every rooftop. It affects both the rich and poor, high and low.

“On behalf of my family, immediate and extended as well as the Sampou community, we appreciate you for your thoughtfulness and for coming to commiserate with us in such a short time.

“When it happened on Sunday night, I thought l was strong and directed that all engagements should stand. But as an ordinary mortal, l broke down that night.

“I pictured my youthful days with my father when he wanted to be a councillor and l realized that l was not that strong. I recalled my father wanting to be a councillor and he could not. He failed in the election and we were all crying at home with him. But I promised him that I would become a councillor and the whole picture played back on my mind down to my university and my working days.

“We are indeed consoled by your visit and we thank God. For the scripture says in all situations we should give thanks to God.”

Speaking on behalf of the state executive council, the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, described the death of Chief Diri as symbolic and divine on the day it occurred.

He noted that Pa Diri died peacefully without any prolonged health crisis, urging his principal to take solace in the fact that almost all his father’s wishes had been fulfilled in him.