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By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has endorsed the second term bid of Governor Douye Diri in the November 11 governorship election in the state.
CAN made its stand known at a one-day interactive session with the governor at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Swali, Yenagoa, on Monday.
The state CAN chairman, Very Rev. Father Joseph Opelema, said the body was impressed by the governor’s performance in infrastructure development in the last three and a half years and wants him to continue.
The Christian organisation said the state needed a God-fearing leader to pilot its affairs, and that Diri fits its choice.
It also noted that the governor has given the state a ray of hope through his commitment to prayers, support for the church and developmental initiatives.
Other areas include his commitment to prompt payment of salaries, pension and gratuities as well as construction of the three senatorial roads among others.
CAN however noted that all the contenders in the election were brothers and sisters and enjoined political actors to shun violence in the electoral process and allow the electorate to choose who to lead them.
Opelema said: “We stand with you (Diri) on our choice for continuity and consolidation. You are our choice.
“We are impressed by your commitment to prayers and support for the church and CAN as well as sponsorship of pilgrimage to the holy land.
“We thank you for the construction of the three senatorial roads, Glory Drive phase two and commencement of the Glory Drive phase three.”
In his response, Governor Diri appreciated the CAN leadership for endorsing his second term bid.
He attributed his administration’s success to God and the support from the church.
Diri stated that the gesture was a motivation to do more and enjoined members to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election to enable him consolidate on his first tenure achievements.
Diri said: “I appreciate the leadership of CAN and PFN (Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria) for your support for this government. You have been so committed.
“You did not wait for me to ask but you endorsed me without our asking. On behalf of a grateful government and party, I say a very big thank you to the church. We will not take it for granted.
“When you endorse, you are saying we should do more. So for us, it is a motivation to do more in our second tenure.
“You are the ones counting what we have done. To me, that is the essence of democracy. It is for people to review you. After reviewing you, they either say you have passed or failed. Today, you have reviewed us and given us a pass mark.”
The governor, who condemned politics of violence, said his campaign will be issue-based.
The Christian community presented a Bible to Governor Diri at the event.