Goodluck Jonathan’s Influence Was Key to My Political Breakthrough – Gov Diri

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has revealed how former President Goodluck Jonathan significantly influenced his political journey, shaping his path to the National Assembly and his current role as governor.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking in Yenagoa during a service of songs for the late Madam Ani-Gunn Rhoda Ikiogha, mother of Chief Diekivie Ikiogha, a former Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Agriculture in Bayelsa, Diri recounted pivotal moments in his political career.

He noted how Jonathan’s decisions, which initially seemed to derail his ambitions, ultimately turned into blessings.

Diri described Chief Ikiogha and himself as long-time political protégés of Jonathan, even before his presidency, noting they worked closely together until their interests diverged.

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“I have come a long way with Chief Ikiogha,” Diri said. “We worked together at some point when he was Chief of Staff, Government House, and I was Deputy Chief of Staff. We’ve shared a long political journey, mostly on the same path.”

However, he noted a turning point when their political ambitions conflicted. “There was a time he left me because we had a conflict of interest. Our leader was in Abuja as president, and we knew he would have his own agenda. Eventually, his agenda overrode ours, forcing us to align with it.”

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Diri explained that while they initially planned for him to run for the Senate and Ikiogha for the House of Representatives, Jonathan’s decision reshaped those plans. This change led to Diri securing a seat in the House of Representatives in 2015, while Ikiogha’s ambitions for the House ticket did not materialize.

Despite their past differences, Diri commended Ikiogha’s unwavering support during his re-election campaign in 2023. He revealed that Ikiogha even faced opposition attacks on his residence after leaving their camp to work for him.

Diri praised the late Madam Ikiogha as a unifying figure who supported her son and his political associates, fostering harmony even among rivals. He encouraged the family to find comfort in her lasting legacy as a devoted Christian whose life positively impacted many.

Her legacy, Diri said, is a testament to a life well-lived, deserving of celebration.

Here’s the video of the week: