Why I met Buhari behind closed doors – Gov. Diri

The Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, revealed he met with President Muhammadu Buhari to familirise with him as the father of the nation.

Diri, who met with the president behind closed-doors on Tuesday, told State House Correspondents that the meeting was necessary to forge a working relationship with the federal government.

Diri noted that Bayelsa State could benefit from a positive relationship with the government at the centre, to gain peace, stability and development.

Diri also said the visit was like a father receiving his son.

“Since I resumed as Governor of Bayelsa State, precisely on the 14th of February, I have not come to see the father of the nation. Today I just did that: to come and see the father of our country and to work with the federal government of Nigeria in ensuring peace and stability in my state and ensuring the development of my state.

“Mr. President received me as one of his sons, as a state governor and the reception was very warm. He went ahead to advice that he was happy that I came and that he was happy with the way I have started. He went on to say he has read about all the statements that I have made and the security so far in Bayelsa.

“He promised as one of his sons, a state like Bayelsa that is critical to the security and peace in the Niger Delta, he was prepared to also work with me,” Douye Diri said.