Jonathan: Bayelsa Will Always Remain Grateful to Abacha

Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed his state, Bayelsa, will forever be thankful to the late former head of state, General Sani Abacha, for creating the Ijaw state out of the former Rivers State in 1996. During the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa state's formation and an award ceremony in Yenagoa, Jonathan honored his political mentor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who introduced him to politics as deputy governor.

Despite some young people questioning what Bayelsa has to celebrate on its 30th anniversary, Jonathan stated, "Although we have not reached our destination, I am content with where we are. I am content that Bayelsa State was created, and we have made tremendous progress." The former president praised the state for the gains it has made since its creation, mentioning that "Bayelsans will always remain grateful to late Gen. Sani Abacha who made it possible for Bayelsa to be among the last six states he created."

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, also paid tribute to Abacha, expressing gratitude on behalf of the Ijaw people for the creation of Bayelsa on October 1, 1996. Diri emphasized that mentioning Abacha's name in his remarks symbolized the late head of state's role in liberating the Ijaw people from oppression and injustice, as he had freed them by establishing a unified Ijaw state.

Emphasizing the importance of recognizing Abacha's contributions, Diri said, "If at every point in my remarks I keep calling him, it is because of what God used him to do for the Ijaw ethnic nationality."