Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday led a high-powered delegation to commiserate with his Delta State counterpart, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on the death of his father, Pa Okorie Arthur Okowa.
The delegation also visited a former Chief of Staff, Bayelsa Government House and Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Diekivie Ikiogha, in Yenagoa on the passing of his wife, Roseline.
Speaking at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House, Asaba, Senator Diri urged the Delta governor and the entire Okowa family to be consoled that Pa Okowa lived a fulfilled life.
A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as urging the bereaved Okowa family to continue to uphold the worthy legacies of their patriarch.
Governor Diri, who acknowledged that death was an inevitable end, noted that there was no age too old for a loved one to die.
Making reference to the scriptures, the governor urged the bereaved family and people of Delta state to thank God in all situations and also prayed God to comfort them in their moment of grief.
His words: “When the news of the death of your father broke, you communicated me. As governor of Bayelsa, we felt that it was necessary for us to personally come and commiserate with you and your people on this loss of your beloved father.
“You have been a source of inspiration and an elder brother-governor to us. You lost a man that you relied on and who had been a source of inspiration. So, we are here to traditionally, as we say in Bayelsa, wipe your tears.”
Responding, Senator Okowa expressed gratitude to his Bayelsa counterpart and his entourage for identifying with him and his family.
Okowa, who said he would always cherish the friendship, noted that the bond between them would remain strong as people of both states have a common heritage.
Describing his father as a teacher, humble and friendly person, the governor remarked that his demise created a huge vacuum in the family.
Earlier, Senator Diri described Mrs. Roseline Ikiogha’s untimely death as shocking and a huge loss to the Ikiogha family.
He noted that the loss of a spouse was always very painful, saying she was a friend and a peaceful woman who touched many lives positively especially in her community.
Dignitaries who accompanied the governor on the visits included the House of Representatives member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Senator Inatimi Rufus-Spiff, state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Solomon Aguanana, Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Benson Agadaga, one-time Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gideon Ekeuwei and Dr. Odiyovwi Osusu, a former Commissioner for Education.
