Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial Candidate for the November 16th, 2019 election in Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has declared his readiness for the ballot. Exuding confidence after winning the party’s primary election on Wednesday morning in Yenagoa, the state capital, Diri promised to be the People’s Governor upon when the Bayelsa electorate cast their ballot for him on November 16. He, however, called for the support of all party faithful, including those he defeated to pick the ticket, so as to ensure victory in November.

Below is the acceptance speech by Diri, who is currently the Senator Representing Bayelsa Central in the National Assembly:

“Let me begin my speech today by thanking the Most High God for this great day; a great day to us all in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Bayelsa State. I am very humble in victory.

“I want to sincerely express my heartfelt gratitude to all the delegates for their sacrifices to the party and today, you have spoken loud by giving me your votes as PDP Standard Bearer in the November 16th, 2019 Governorship election in Bayelsa State. From Ekeremor to Sagbama, to Southern Ijaw, to Yenagoa, to Kolokuma/Opokuma, to Ogbia, to Nembe and to Brass, I say thank you once again to our delegates.

“Among 21 of us, the baton fell on me through your votes. I can assure you that I will be your worthy ambassador to carry the flag very high.

“Let me also acknowledge the fatherly role played by our leader and former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, throughout this process. You are indeed a worthy leader. And to our indefatigable Governor, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson, you are a political mathematician, a dogged leader and source of inspiration to people around you. The Ofuruma pepper, I am humbled by your show of support and trust in me. Nua.

“All other leaders of our party at various levels. Thank you for your commitment towards building a more united and greater PDP. And to my powerful campaign team members, God bless you richly and thank you for your dedication and hard work.

“And now, to my brothers and sister, who contested the primaries of our great party with me, I want to thank you all for the maturity you displayed throughout this period of campaigns. We must appreciate the fact that in every contest, there will only be one winner; and today, it happens to be me. I want to congratulate you on the hard-fought campaign. You all have done that because of your passion to serve our dear state and your care for her future. I want to proudly say that this victory is for all of us and it is a collective victory for the PDP.

“I, therefore, call on you all to join the train as we move towards November 16th election. We must remain united to face other opposition parties that are contesting this election with us. Remember that we are stronger together.

“Let me tell you all that I am well prepared for this race. This has not come by accident but through well -articulated vision and inspired action plan towards building prosperity among Bayelsans. I am bringing my over 30 years’ experience in both private and public service to the fore in this leadership journey and I can assure you that I am prepared to give practical leadership to the state. We will be committed to the vision and collective aspirations of our founding fathers to building more infrastructure, create wealth and economic prosperity for our people. I can tell you and proudly announce that our blueprint and road map for development of Bayelsa State is rich and very robust. We shall launch it very soon. Accountability and good governance shall be our watchword.

“When elected Governor of this Jerusalem of Ijaw Nation, I will be “People’s Governor” and truly, a listening leader. I will remain your friend and associate.

“Let me state clearly that Bayelsa State is a PDP state and we must continue to build on the success achieved by the party over the years. As we leave here today, go preach the PDP message and that another ‘workaholic’ Governor is coming and will continue the good works of the Restoration administration in our communities. We will mobilise for the completion of the three Senatorial roads to hit Brass, Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor. With your support, we will do more for our people.

“And with every sense of humility, responsibility and deep passion for service to our dear state, I, wish to accept this nomination to fly the flag of our great party, the PDP, in the November 16, 2019 Bayelsa State Governorship Election. This flag is a flag of victory because God is involved in this project. This is the very reason and inspiration behind my slogan, “In God We Trust”.

“I can assure you that we will win the November 16th election. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers, let’s do this together to build a greater Bayelsa State that we will all be proud of.”

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