By Tapre Timine, Bayelsa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said that he views criticism from the pulpit not as an attack, but as motivation to improve governance.
Speaking on Sunday evening at the 2025 Easter celebration held at the King of Glory Chapel within Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Diri responded to remarks made by the guest minister, Rt. Rev. Matthew Obaze, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ogbia.
In his sermon, Bishop Obaze urged the governor to remain focused on his vision and not be swayed by praise singers, whom he warned often have ulterior motives.
In a candid response on Monday, Governor Diri confessed to harbouring a sense of apprehension towards pastors, noting that the pulpit affords them a unique liberty to speak truth to power, regardless of one’s office.
While acknowledging strides made by his administration across various sectors, Governor Diri admitted that much work remains. He commended Bishop Obaze for his forthrightness, noting their longstanding acquaintance dating back to his days as an Ijaw activist.
Earlier in the day, the governor hosted a group of Christian leaders at his country home. He said their feedback was largely positive, citing commendations in areas such as infrastructure and human capital development. However, he noted the contrast in tone later that evening at the chapel, calling it a healthy balance of perspectives.
He said:
“There are two groups of persons you must be afraid of as you dare not challenge them. One are referees and the other are pastors. When pastors are in the pulpit, if you are the president, senator or governor, they have the freedom to criticise you.
“I believe that it is a way of telling us to work more. There is no time that any of us will claim to be perfect. No matter what we have done, we can still do more. So, my dear people of Bayelsa, I know we are trying our best but there is still room for improvement.
“I hosted selected Christian leaders at my country home today (Sunday). A few of them spoke and rather than criticising me very hard, they went to the reality of what we are doing in terms of infrastructure development and human capacity building. So, I felt, maybe, we were trying.
“But, here we are this night and we are hearing the other side of it. This time from an Anglican Bishop. We have known for years and he understands where I am coming from. That is why my politics is different. That is why I do not play politics with development, of thuggery or encouraging drug abuse by our youths.”
Bishop Obaze, while acknowledging the achievements of the administration, reiterated the need for the governor to stay true to his founding ideals. He urged Diri to remain grounded, and not lose focus in the face of applause.
The Bishop said,”Your Excellency, go back to the root of your vision and know exactly what you are supposed to be doing. You have commissioners, advisers, friends, traditional rulers and clergymen giving you advice. They have their own motives but let not that distract you from what God wants you to do.
“The founding fathers of this state require you to govern sacrificially. What you have done is just a little and you have much more. So, do not be distracted by those saying you are trying.”
He also called on political appointees to emulate the sacrificial life of Christ, stressing that genuine service remains key to the state’s progress.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries including Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central), Hon. Donald Ojogo (Ilaje/Eseodo Federal Constituency, Ondo State), former military governor of old Rivers State and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff and his wife, along with state legislators, members of the executive council, senior officials, and members of the clergy.
