Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has said the people of Bayelsa State will remain grateful to the late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, for creating the state 30 years ago.
Mr Jonathan made the remarks during a dinner and awards ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa State in Yenagoa, where Governor Douye Diri honoured individuals credited with contributing to the state’s creation and development.
Bayelsa was among six states created by General Abacha’s military administration on 1 October 1996.
Speaking after receiving an award from the state government, Mr Jonathan said Bayelsa had made significant progress since its creation, although he acknowledged that the state had not yet reached where it ought to be.
“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.”
Mr Jonathan, who served as Bayelsa’s deputy governor and governor before becoming Nigeria’s vice-president and president, dedicated his award to his late political mentor and former Bayelsa governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Governor Diri also paid tribute to General Abacha, saying the creation of Bayelsa had provided the Ijaw people with a state of their own.
He said Abacha’s decision had helped bring together communities that had previously been divided among different states.
The anniversary celebrations included the presentation of awards to 63 people and organisations across politics, education, business, sports, public service and other fields.
Among those honoured were former military administrators of Bayelsa, the late Isaac Adaka Boro, Mr Alamieyeseigha, former governor Seriake Dickson and several prominent Bayelsans.
The event was attended by Mr Jonathan and his wife, Patience, members of the Abacha family, National Assembly members, diplomats, traditional rulers and senior government officials.
