Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has described the death of Engr. Peremokubo Agara as a huge loss not only to his family but also to the state and Nigeria.
Speaking when he condoled with the Agara family at the palace of the Ibedaowei of Kolokuma Kingdom in Kaiama, Governor Diri said the late Agara was a man of love and peace who contributed immensely to the development of his Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area and the state.
The governor in a statement by his Chief press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, recalled how Agara represented the state government in resolution of disputes with oil companies, particularly Shell Petroleum Development Company.
He stated that his administration had concluded plans to engage his services in his area of expertise before his untimely death.
Conveying the grief of the state government, Diri said the deceased was killed at a time his services were needed most even as he urged his family to take solace in the fact that he left a worthy legacy.
His words: “We are here to condole and mourn with our King of Kolokuma clan, who lost his beloved younger brother that contributed and added value not only to his family but to his local government, Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large.
“As I went through the handover notes upon assumption of office, part of what I read was about our late brother that represented the state in oil-related issues. One of them was the issue between Bayelsa State and Shell.
“Engineer Agara was not ill. He was peace-loving and anywhere he went he exuded love and friendliness. Nobody knew he would be brought down by a bullet. But it has happened and we cannot question God.”
The governor expressed sadness over the circumstances of his death and assured that the state government in collaboration with Delta State would ensure that those who kidnapped and killed him are brought to book.
Responding, the King of Kolokuma Kingdom, Onya Mozi Agara, expressed gratitude to Governor Diri for the visit, saying the family was strengthened by his show of love.
He prayed God to continue to guide the governor in the onerous task of developing the state.