No apologies for endorsing, backing Diri’s re-election – Ex-President Jonathan

Goodluck Jonathan, the ex-president of Nigeria, declared on Tuesday that he had no regrets for backing and endorsing the re-election bid of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, in the November 11, 2023, off-cycle governorship election in the state.

He further stated that he openly supported Diri’s candidature during the campaigns because of the visionary leadership he showed in managing the affairs of the state.

Jonathan, who also said that it was the right thing to do as Governor Diri had the backing of the majority of the Bayelsa people to stay in office, said the governor deserved to be re-elected for his developmental initiatives, especially for ensuring peace and stability in the state.

Speaking on Tuesday during the Yuletide visit of the governor and a delegation to his home in Yenagoa, the state capital, Jonathan said, “Since Diri took over, the activities of cult groups, especially in Yenagoa, have reduced significantly. If we want to progress, first and foremost, we must tackle the issue of security in order to attract investors.”

“I did what I did during the governorship election, and I have no apologies to anyone because I know that the governor and his team were doing very well, especially in the area of peace and stability in the state. At a point, I became very concerned.

“I have not said others did not do well. After all, I was also a governor for a little less than one and a half years and also had my difficulties.

“I saw that the governor and his team have a vision, and he needed to be supported to do another four-year term.”

Jonathan urged the governor to do more to meet the high expectations of the huge support base for his Prosperity Administration, adding that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

In his reply, Diri expressed gratitude to the former president for his support and endorsement, which contributed to the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Your endorsement of a sitting governor was worth more than billions of naira. And so, having secured that endorsement, we were very confident of victory. We are here to say a big thank you, as that has brought stability to the state,” he said.