Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has dismissed swirling rumours about his alleged defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the speculation stemmed from recent remarks made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Speaking at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, during a thank-you visit by the lawmaker representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Rodney Ambaiowei, and other stakeholders, Diri said he remained unfazed by the reports.

He said, “If for any reason there has to be a movement, you are the people who will advise me because you voted for me.

“The decision to move or not will be made based on the interest of the Ijaw nation and Bayelsa State, not my personal interest only. So, do not mind what is trending.”

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dan Alabrah, the governor explained that his attendance at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road flag-off ceremony had fueled the speculation.

He clarified that his presence was simply to show appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the inclusion of Bayelsa in the project, which he said is critical to the economic progress of the Niger Delta region.

Diri said, “A fortnight ago, I was invited to Lagos for the inauguration of a section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road and the flag-off of phase two of the Nembe-Brass road.

“I raised observations when I saw a map of the coastal road displayed in the hall with Bayelsa and Edo states missing. I immediately drew the attention of the contractor and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to the anomaly. They admitted it was an error and said it would be corrected.”

Governor Diri linked the fresh wave of defection rumours to remarks made by Umahi during the event.

“When it was the Minister’s turn to speak, he gave me special attention, saying the Bayelsa governor was thinking progressively and working progressively. A lot of people then assumed that the deal had been done.

“The Minister of Works started this new wave that the Bayelsa governor was about to defect because of the attention he brought upon me on that day. But at the end of the day, what is important is whether we can bring development to our place,” he explained.

Commending the people of Southern Ijaw for supporting his Prosperity Administration, Diri urged political stakeholders to eschew divisive politics and focus on unity and development.

He also advised political leaders to act with integrity and play by the rules.