Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has advised his appointees to join him in prayers for God’s wisdom and direction to govern the state instead of spending money on congratulatory messages in the media or on celebration.

Governor Diri, who turns 62 on June 4, said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Wednesday, that what he needed on his birthday was prayers to remain focused as the task ahead was enormous.

He urged all his appointees to be patient and remain committed to delivering on their assignments as the time for celebration would come.

Governor Diri explained that he was not against private individuals or corporate organisations congratulating him in the media but that state funds need not be channeled to such gestures.

“At this time, what we need is to focus on the governance task on our hands. We also need prayers for God’s wisdom and direction.

“So, I advise my appointees at all levels to join me in praying for wisdom to govern our state and to rightly deliver on our mandate. I'm not usually a birthday celebration person. Being governor has not changed that. My appointees as government officials need to know this too.

“Private individuals and corporate organisations are not under any obligation to congratulate me if they choose to but I'm against any gesture that would result in misuse of government funds,” he said.