How I Was Mandated to Perform Sacrifices to Become Governor - Diri Reveals Details

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has opened up about a shocking spiritual ultimatum he faced during his quest for the governorship. Diri revealed that he was pressured to perform "traditional sacrifices" to secure his victory, a demand he refused, choosing instead to place his faith in God.

The revelation was made on Friday during the Annual Day of Thanksgiving organized by Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, held in his hometown of Sampou community.

According to Governor Diri, a senior Nigerian citizen had invited him to Abuja in 2020 with a proposal that involved rituals to secure his position as governor.

"Sometime ago, a senior citizen of this country invited me to Abuja and asked me to perform certain sacrifices, but I declined," Diri stated. "I told him my faith in God would not allow me to do it. He got angry and told me I would never become governor."

Diri recounted that the individual had already spent $10,000 to bring marabouts from Senegal for the rituals and demanded a refund, which he paid.

Despite the dire warning, Diri's unwavering faith saw him through. On February 13, 2020, the Supreme Court ruled in his favor, overturning the earlier victory of David Lyon, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, who had been disqualified due to issues surrounding his running mate's credentials.

The ruling shocked Diri's detractors, including the man who demanded sacrifices. "When the Supreme Court's pronouncement came, the man was shocked and could not call me. Sadly, he passed on after some time," Diri said.

The Bayelsa governorship race in 2019 was tumultuous. Initially declared the winner, APC's David Lyon had his victory nullified due to his deputy's submission of forged documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Supreme Court subsequently declared Diri, who came second, as the rightful governor.

Diri's experience has become a powerful testimony of faith and resilience. During the thanksgiving event, he urged attendees to remain steadfast in their belief in God, highlighting his own journey as an example of divine intervention and justice.

"Let me reveal to you why it is important to thank God and have faith in Him," he said. "My story is proof that God's plans are greater than any human scheme."