•Omoku kinsmen honour Governor’s Wife

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described the late king of Ogbaland, Dr Chukwumela Nnam Obi II, as a wise and influential king that ruled with wisdom and brought development to his domain.

Senator Diri stated this at the monarch's palace on Saturday at Omoku in Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema Local Government Area of Rivers State when he paid a condolence visit to the people of Ogbaland.

The governor in a press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Sunday, noted that the late king lived a good and impactful life as attested to by his legacies.

While commiserating with the new king and members of the deceased family, Diri urged them to be consoled that the late prominent ruler left good legacies that speak well of him even after his death.

He said the visit was not only as governor of Bayelsa State but also as an in-law and friend of Ogbaland even as he congratulated the new king on his ascension to the throne.

The governor stated that Ogbaland shared cultural similarities with Bayelsa and expressed the optimism that the bond would grow stronger.

His words: "We know the late Oba led a good life. He was a man of integrity and character, who led with wisdom and knowledge. We pray that God will continue to shower His grace on you now that you have ascended the throne.

"The late king left a good legacy in you as the new Oba and your siblings. So we are consoled that even after his death, his legacies are speaking for him.

"We have come to commiserate and also congratulate you. We believe that the bond between Bayelsa and Ogbaland will get stronger."

Responding, the new king, His Royal Majesty (Barr.) Nwachukwu Nnam Obi III, thanked the governor for sharing in their moment of grief.

The king, who commended Governor Diri for his remarkable achievements in office, assured him and his administration of continuous support and prayers.

In a related development, Diri thanked the people of Omoku for the recognition accorded his wife, Dr. Gloria Diri, at a grand reception in her honour.

Speaking at the reception venue at Omoku town organised by the Ihiuku kindred of the late Chief Thomas Otakpo Okpara royal family of Umuisoma, the governor described his visit as homecoming.

He said he traversed and worked in the area during his teaching career and made friends.

Earlier, Mrs Diri expressed joy over the honour done her by her maternal kinsmen, adding that the gesture proved that she belonged to the land and was well accepted.

In their welcome address, Mr Shadrach Okara, who spoke on behalf of her mother's family, said they deemed it necessary to honour their daughter that God had uplifted to steer the ship of leadership alongside her husband.

They prayed for more wisdom for the governor to pilot the affairs of the state.

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