The Hon. Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, today conducted the Swearing-in Ceremony of Senator Douye Diri, as Governor of Bayelsa State along side his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo on their 2nd term in Office.
Congratulations Your Excellencies.

AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE HONOURABLE THE CHIEF JUDGE OF BAYELSA STATE, HON. JUSTICE MATILDA ABRAKASA AYEMIEYE DURING THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OF HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR DOUYE DIRI AND HIS DEPUTY AS GOVERNOR AND DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF BAYELSA STATE ON THE 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2024.

PROTOCOL: Your Excellencies Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen.

It is with great delight and pleasure that I welcome Your Excellencies and everyone to this historic and momentous occasion of the swearing-in ceremony of the Governor Elect and his Deputy of our dear State. Unto God Almighty – the giver of life and power – be all the glory and praise for making this peaceful swearing-in possible in this State.

Before we proceed with the swearing-in, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this ceremony. By virtue of the provisions of Section 185 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, a person duly elected to the office of the Governor of a State shall not begin to perform the functions of that office until he has, in addition to the declaration of his assets and liabilities, subscribed the oath of allegiance and oath of office prescribed in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution. This is applicable to the Deputy Governor pursuant to Section 187(2) of the Constitution. It is in obedience to these provisions that we are gathered here to do the needful.

It is pertinent to state at this juncture that the oath of allegiance and oath of office represent a very solemn declaration of commitment by our elected leaders to the principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law in all matters of governance. It is a pledge to selflessly serve the people with integrity, dedication and unwavering commitment to the common good. Therefore, leadership must have a human face and authority must be wielded in the fear of God when les in the affairs of men.

As I perform my Constitutional duty today to administer the paths, I wish to note that the Governor Elect and his Deputy are entrusted with tremendous responsibility which requires courage, compassion and wisdom. From all we know of the duo in the past four years, I am confident that they have what it takes to move Bayelsa State to greater heights. Without doubt, the people of Bayelsa State are hopeful that this second tenure will come with greater prosperity and more dividends of democracy.

Therefore, as you take this oath, I enjoin you to reaffirm your unalloyed commitment to uphold and defend the Constitution of our great Nation and the wellbeing of the people of Bayelsa State. Let the words you speak today serve as a reminder of the trust reposed in you and the duty you owe to every individual who calls this State home.

Today is Ash Wednesday and also St. Valentine’s Day when love is celebrated all over the world. It is my prayer, therefore, that your hearts will overflow with the love of God as you lead the State. May this be the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Bayelsa State in Jesus Name.

On this note, may I invite Distinguished Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo to take his oath as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.

May I now invite Distinguished Senator Douye Diri to step forward and take his oath as Governor of Bayelsa State.

Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye Chief Judge of Bayelsa State