Gov Diri and entourage during the visit
Philip Eke, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has visited the family of late former Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, ahead of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state.
Diri was received at the family’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja, by Abacha’s widow, Dr. Maryam Abacha, their eldest son, Mohammed Abacha, and other family members.
The governor said Mrs. Abacha shared vivid memories of the family’s time in Port Harcourt when her late husband served as Brigade Commander at Bori Camp.
Diri explained that the visit was in recognition of Abacha’s role in the creation of Bayelsa State.
“General Abacha holds the reputation as the Nigerian leader who hearkened to the yearnings of the Ijaw ethnic nationality for a homogenous state in the Niger Delta. That dream became a reality on October 1, 1996, when he pronounced the creation of Bayelsa State out of the old Rivers State,” he said.
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The governor announced that the state government would honour the late former Head of State posthumously alongside other distinguished sons and daughters of Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation.
“In appreciation of that act of giving us a clear identity and for the progress achieved so far, the Bayelsa State Government will honour him posthumously among other illustrious sons and daughters of Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation,” Diri said.
He disclosed that the anniversary celebration will commence with the inauguration of projects executed by his administration.
According to him, a four-day programme has been lined up from September 28 to October 1, to be rounded off with a state banquet and awards ceremony.
