Diri, whose father died on Sunday at the age of 88, spoke at his Sampou community home when he received scores of visitors, including members of the state executive council, security commanders and the state executive of the Peoples Democratic Party.
A statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying that he could not hold back tears when he received the sad news.
Diri expressed gratitude to members of his cabinet for sharing in his family’s moment of pain and sadness.
He said his father died as his administration was commemorating three years in office and wished that he lived longer.
According to him, the government had lined up a number of activities to mark the anniversary but because of the sad development, all official engagements had to be suspended.
Diri said, “These are very tough times for us. Death like rain falls on every rooftop. It affects both the rich and poor, high and low.
“When it happened on Sunday night, I thought l was strong and directed that all engagements should stand. But as an ordinary mortal, l broke down that night.
“On behalf of my family, immediate and extended as well as the Sampou community, we appreciate you for your thoughtfulness and for coming to commiserate with us at such a short time.”
Speaking on behalf of the state executive council, the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, described the death of Pa Diri as symbolic and divine on the day it occurred.
Describing death as inevitable, he noted that Pa Diri died peacefully without any prolonged health crisis, urging the governor to take solace in the fact that almost all his father’s wishes had been fulfilled by him.
Ewhrudjakpo said the whole state had been thrown into mourning following the departure of the octogenarian and prayed to God to grant the Diri family and Sampou community the fortitude to bear the loss.
The state Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lucy Fakoya, also led members of the state security council to condole with the governor.
Fakoya said they heard about the sad incident and that heads of the various security services in the state decided to identify with the governor and his family in their moment of grief.
