By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
The governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, members of the state executive council and the leadership of the Bayelsa Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday, paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei.
Mrs. Bidei died after a brief illness on December 30, 2024 aged 67.
Governor Diri, who spoke in an emotion-laden voice, recalled how Mrs. Bidei and her husband, Jackson Bidei, a former African wrestling champion, retired Director of Sports and Permanent Secretary, were his staunch supporters from the beginning of his political journey.
He described her as an active PDP member, a woman of valour who contributed a lot to the growth and development of the state through the various positions she occupied.
He said: “Mrs. Bidei and her dear husband stood by me from the beginning of my political journey till date. They never wavered for one second. It is so sad that we are here for a condolence visit.
“We cannot query or question God. This brings to fore the fact that every one of us are just mortals and only what we do will speak when we are gone.
“Today, our compatriot, active party woman, a member of our state executive council and a woman of valour, who we all thought would continue to contribute to the growth and development of our state, is no more. I never imagined that we would be paying tribute to this woman.
“But in everything, the Bible says we should give thanks to God. On behalf of the government and people of the state, I extend our condolences to the family.”
Diri said the government will take care of the funeral expenses, being a commissioner who died in active service to the state.
Responding, spokesman of the family, Mr. Ebikabowei Otobo, and Mr. Bidei expressed appreciation to the governor for demonstrating exemplary leadership in personally visiting with members of his cabinet.
The delegation included lawmaker representing Southern Ijaw Constituency One, Mr. Bonnie Ayah, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Bayelsa PDP Chairman, Chief Solomon Agwana, the Secretary, Gesiye Isowo, Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, his deputy, Irorodamie Komonibo, Chairman, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Target Segibo, the Head of Service, Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, and other top government functionaries.
The entourage also visited recuperating victims of last Friday’s fatal accident in Sagbama that claimed the life of the paramount ruler of Ofoni community, HRH Auditor Onakpohor, at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri.
