Jonathan is the face of democracy – Gov Diri
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has described former President of the country, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, as the face of democracy and a strong advocate of non-violent elections in the world.
Governor Diri, who spoke at the weekend during the burial of the former President’s cousin, Late Chief Nitabai Inengite at Otuoke, said the historic phone call Dr. Jonathan made conceding defeat to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 saved democracy in Nigeria.
Represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor noted that the show of patriotism and love by the former President would remain a good reference point to other democratic countries including the United States of America.
His words, “We all know what is happening in the United States, a country most of us regarded as the best example of democracy. But considering what Trump is doing with his supporters, you will agree that our father (Dr. Jonathan) did what so many leaders in the world cannot do.
“Our brother and father have elevated Nigeria above the United States. I say this with all sense of responsibility because when you compare the margin of defeat in 2015 and the margin of defeat today in the US, you can know the difference.“
”But yet our father for the love of self and love of all of us and for the love our country and the African continent relinquished power without any doubt.”
In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Doubara Atasi, he described the Late Nitabai as a man of principles with deep family values who was committed to the development of his community and humanity.
Senator Diri called on the people of the state to be United and urged the youth to emulate the deceased by leading peaceful lifestyles and never allow their backgrounds to define their destinies.
While expressing condolences on behalf of the Government and people of the state, the Governor prayed God to grant Dr. Jonathan, the Inengite family, and the Otuoke Community, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss occasioned by the passage of Chief Inengite Nitabai.In his remarks, the former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan expressed gratitude to Governor Diri, his deputy, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, and all who turned up for the funeral.
In an interview, Dr. Jonathan described his late cousin as an amiable man who served the Esosi Family, Otuoke Community, the Rivers State University, and Niger Delta University creditably.
Delivering an exhortation titled “the Great Event”, Pastor Elizah Nkamere of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, enjoined all to prepare for the day of Judgment as everyone will give an account of him or herself to God after death.
