Governor Douye Diri urged politicians to shun the bitter politics of division and instead work together to develop the state and the nation.

Speaking during the 14th annual Bayelsa State Thanksgiving on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre at Igbogene, Yenagoa, Mr Diri described politics as an avenue for service and contribution to societal development.

Mr Diri said the people of Bayelsa have every reason to thank God for the prevailing peace and security, pointing out that his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party was for the state’s interest.

The governor, who emphasised the need for unity, urged politicians to eschew the politics of division and bitterness and rather close ranks to develop the State and country.

In a goodwill message, deputy petroleum minister (oil) Heineken Lokpobiri reminded politicians to weigh the consequences before taking decisions, stating that the governor’s alignment with the centre was for the good of Bayelsa.

The minister warned against disloyalty to the governor in a veiled jab at the deputy governor, who has chosen to remain in the PDP rather than join the governor in defecting to the APC.

Head of the civil Service of the federation, Didi Walson-Jack, said Bayelsa has every reason to thank God for the blessings bestowed upon the state.

The founder of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Mike Okonkwo, in a sermon that quoted from various books of the Bible, including Psalm 100, verses 1-5, highlighted the importance of giving thanks to God.

(NAN)