Diri meets Buhari first time since inauguration

Douye Diri

President Muhammadu Buhari met Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja for the first time since the governor’s inauguration on February 14.

Mr Diri told reporters after the brief meeting that Buhari received him as ‘one of his sons’.

“Since my inauguration, this is the first time I have come to see Mr President and to promise to work with the Federal Government for the security and peace of the nation,” he said.

“He received me as one of his sons. He went ahead to advise me and to say that he is happy that I came and that he is happy with the way I started.

“He said he read about all the statements I have made on security. Bayelsa is critical to peace in the country. If there is security there, then the whole country is at peace.”

Diri was sworn in as Bayelsa governor after the Supreme Court on February 13 annulled the election of David Lyon and instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to swear in the candidate with the next highest votes (Diri).

Mr Lyon had also met Buhari before his election was nullified.