Bayelsa State Governor, Mr Diri Douye, said on Tuesday that the reason he visited President Muhammadu Buhari, was to formally present himself to him, being the father of the nation.
Douye explained that since assuming office on February 14 as governor, Tuesday (yesterday) was the first time he visited the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for the purpose of presenting himself to Buhari.
He told journalists at the State House, after the brief meeting, which ended about 1.39pm, that he told Buhari he was ready to work with the federal government in the interest of promoting peace in the state.
Recall that Douye became the governor of the state following the February 13 judgment of the Supreme Court, which sacked then All Progressives Congress Governor-elect, Mr David Lyon, just 24 hours to his inauguration.
The governor added, “Since I resumed office as governor of Bayelsa state, precisely on the 14th of February, I have not come to see the father of the nation. Today, I just did that; to come and see the father of our country and to work with the federal government of Nigeria in ensuring peace and stability in my state and ensuring the development of my state. That is what informed my visit to Mr President today.”
Asked what was Buhari’s reaction to the visit, Douye replied that the President was happy and received him as one of his sons, a governor.
“Mr President received me as one of his sons, as a governor of a state and he received me very warmly. I am very satisfied with the reception.
“He went ahead to advise that he was happy that I came and that he was happy with the way I have started. He went on to say he had read about all the statements that I had made about security so far in Bayelsa.
“He promised that, as one of his sons in a state like Bayelsa that is critical to the security and peace in the Niger Delta, he is prepared to also work with me”, he stated.
