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Bayelsa at 30: Diri visits Abacha Family , announces posthumous honour

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has visited the family of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, ahead of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state.

Diri was received at the family’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja, by Abacha’s widow, Dr Maryam Abacha; their eldest son, Mohammed; and other members of the family.

The governor said Maryam Abacha shared vivid and nostalgic memories of the family’s time in Port Harcourt when her late husband served as Brigade Commander at Bori Camp.

Explaining the significance of the visit, Diri said: “Abacha holds the reputation as the Nigerian leader that harkened to the yearning of the Ijaw ethnic nationality for a homogenous state in the Niger Delta area. The dream became a reality on October 1, 1996 when he pronounced the creation of Bayelsa State out of the old Rivers State.”

The governor announced that the Bayelsa State Government would honour Abacha posthumously, alongside other distinguished sons and daughters of Bayelsa State and the Ijaw nation.

“In appreciation of that act of giving us a clear identity and for the progress achieved so far, the Bayelsa State Government will honour Abacha posthumously among other illustrious sons and daughters of Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation,” Diri stated.

According to the governor, the anniversary celebrations will begin with the inauguration of projects executed by his administration. A four-day programme will run from September 28 to October 1 and conclude with a state dinner and awards ceremony.