Ahead of the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri has paid a courtesy visit to the family of late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, in Abuja.
Governor Diri, who visited the family at their Asokoro residence on Tuesday, was warmly received by the widow of the late Head of State, Dr. Maryam Abacha, alongside her eldest son, Mohammed Abacha, other children and grandchildren.
Speaking during the visit, the governor said the visit was in recognition of General Abacha’s role in the creation of Bayelsa State.
According to him, Abacha holds the reputation as the Nigerian leader who harkened to the long yearning of the Ijaw ethnic nationality for a homogenous state in the Niger Delta, a dream that became a reality on October 1, 1996, when Bayelsa was carved out of the old Rivers State.
Dr. Maryam Abacha, in her remarks, shared nostalgic memories of the family’s time in Port Harcourt when the late General served as Brigade Commander at Bori Camp in Rivers State.
Governor Diri disclosed that in appreciation of Abacha’s act of giving Bayelsa a clear identity and in recognition of the progress achieved so far, the Bayelsa State Government will honour the late former Head of State posthumously.
He said Abacha will be honoured among other illustrious sons and daughters of Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary.
The governor added that the anniversary celebrations will commence with the inauguration of projects executed by his Assured Prosperity Administration.
He further stated that the celebrations will culminate in a four-day programme of activities from September 28 to October 1, with a state dinner and awards ceremony to round off the event.
