Yenagoa—The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has pledged not to use state funds to enrich himself.
Diri stated this on Monday during a 3-day solemn assembly to herald the Annual State Thanksgiving at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Diri averred that he has rejected offers of using state funds for himself, because of his belief that state funds were meant for development and not for personal enrichment.
“I have no reason to own property in London or the U.S. They have come severally and I have always said No.
”I can buy a property there if I am doing private business and with my private funds. It is not wrong to own property outside the country but I will never do it with the public money of Bayelsa.
“We are using our state funds to build roads and schools, to pay salaries, gratuities and pensions to our people. If we do otherwise, then you have every reason to criticise us,” the Governor said.
Diri enjoined Bayelsans to shun hatred, embrace love and join hands with his administration irrespective of their political affiliations so that the state can make good progress.
He opined that as the only homogeneous Ijaw state in the country, it is important for Bayelsans to unite as a people and forge a common front.
The Governor also assured that the state was in safe hands with him and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrujakpo, steering the ship.
