Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has called on all leaders cutting across politics, religious, business and traditional institutions to make necessary sacrifices for Nigeria to be a better place.
Governor Diri made the call at the weekend, when he hosted the Muslim Ummah in the state to a lavish state luncheon to mark this year’s Eid-el Kabir celebration in Government House, Yenagoa.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Bayelsa Chief Executive noted that Nigeria is not making the desired progress because her current leaders are doing little or nothing in terms of sacrifice and love for the welfare of the common people.
Governor Diri, who did not spare himself while lambasting the political class, said “Nigeria would start working as an enviable place among the comity of nations in the world, if those in authority lead the people with love.
According to him, the level of hatred in the country was overwhelming, which has given rise to incessant killings and unnecessary supremacy battles in politics, business and traditional institutions, which militate against the development of the country.
The Bayelsa Governor pointed out that almost all religious celebrations in Christianity and Islam, including the Eid-el Kabir were embodiments of love and sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Mohammed and Jesus Christ.
He, therefore, urged adherents of both religions and the generality of the Nigerian people to imbibe and practise love in their relationships and quest to build a virile and egalitarian nation.
While congratulating the Muslim Ummah in the state and across the country on the 2025 Eid-el Kabir celebrations, Governor Diri called on them to remain peaceful and contribute towards the development of the state and the country at large.
His words: “We are running out of people or leaders who want to make sacrifice all over the world, especially in our country, Nigeria. Leaders are supposed to be shepherds to take care of their flocks.
“Nigeria is not progressing because leaders don’t want to serve, but they want to be served. Leaders should sacrifice some of their comfort to make lives better for the commoners.
“The two major prophets we are mimicking in this country: Prophet Muhammed and Jesus Christ taught us the example of sacrifice and servant leaders.
“And so, I want to use this opportunity to encourage Nigerian leaders including myself to be sacrificial in our leadership and show love to the sheep God has entrusted to our care.”
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Yakubu Otobo, expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government for always identifying with the Muslim community in the state during and after their religious festivities.
Alhaji Otobo, who appreciated the Governor Diri-led Administration for the construction of major road projects across the state, appealed for political appointments to members of the Muslim community and an 18-Seater bus to enhance their movement within and outside the state.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Reverend Godspower Asingba, highlighted the support of the state government ranging from the provision of food items, the Salah ram and other items to ensure a successful Eid-el Kabir celebration in Bayelsa.
Reverend Asingba thanked the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for always creating time to celebrate with the Muslim Ummah, and called on them to reciprocate the good gesture by being law-abiding and supportive of government’s policies and programmes.
