The Governor who gave the charge at a special reception organized by the Bayelsa State Government for elected members of the Senate and House of Representatives in Abuja, noted that as representatives of the people, lawmakers must maintain a special bond with their roots back home to give the people a sense of belonging.
Speaking at the event held at the Chida Hotel, Abuja, Gov Diri thanked the people of Bayelsa State for the overwhelming support given to the PDP which translated to the victory of the party in three Senatorial Districts and Five Federal Constituencies.
He said: “I would like to congratulate you once again on your victory at the polls and your inauguration as honourable members of the House of Representatives and Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“You must be reminded that while you are representing the good people of Bayelsa State in Abuja, the nation’s capital; Abuja is only your second address. You must therefore stay connected with the grassroots because it is by the power of the people that you are here.
“Stay close to them to know their needs and aspirations while you strive to represent them and champion their interest and the interest of Nigeria as a whole in the National Assembly,” he said.
Gov Diri who used the opportunity to condole with the families of supporters of Bayelsa Queens Football Club, four of whom lost their lives in a road accident on their way to Asaba on Sunday for a scheduled match against Delta Queens, urged the people to continue to put their faith in the PDP, noting that the party is the only one among 17 others, committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Also speaking, Chairman of PDP in the state, Solomon Agwanana reiterated the commitment of the party to better the lots of the people.
“We thank you for the support you gave to our party, the PDP. For the first time, we are having all the Federal Constituencies and three Senatorial Districts. This goes to show that PDP is the only party in Bayelsa. We must sustain this tempo because we have a lot of work to do. This party is truly committed to changing the lives of our people,” he said.
He commended the Diri-led government for its development-centred programmes and called on the people to continue to support the government to do more.
On his part, former Deputy Governor of the State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah called on the federal lawmakers to put the people first as they settle down for their assignment in the weeks ahead.
“As you settle down for the business of lawmaking, do not forget that representation is very important. Oversight is equally important but you must strive to stay connected with the people.
“As federal lawmakers, you are in the National Assembly for Nigerians whose interest you must strive to defend. There is no doubt that you will make us proud because the people chose you from a pack of others,” he said.
The event was attended by Bayelsans within and outside Abuja, many of whom dressed in their customary attire.
