Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri has defected to APC, says move is in state’s best interest.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has officially confirmed his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his decision was made in the overall interest of the state.
Speaking on Sunday at the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day held at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Diri said that “someone had to take the bold step,” stressing that his decision to join the ruling party was for the good of all Bayelsans.
It was the first time the governor publicly addressed his October 15 resignation from the PDP.
“I Took the Decision for Bayelsa” — Diri
Diri explained that while some people may not immediately understand his defection, time would prove that it was motivated by selfless intentions.
He said:
“Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state, in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all.”
The governor noted that his administration had worked to complete several inherited projects while initiating new ones, saying such progress was worth giving thanks for.
“The peace and security we enjoy today are also reasons for gratitude. Politics should be for development, not for destroying one another. This gathering is a testimony to the unity in our state,” he added.
Political Leaders, Clergy Praise Diri’s Leadership
The event attracted top dignitaries and political figures across party lines, many of whom commended Diri’s leadership and called for unity.
Representing the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Senior Policy Adviser Funkekeme Solomon urged Bayelsans to remain united, saying the state’s development depends on collective peace and harmony.
The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, attending for the first time, hailed Diri as “a unifier” and described his defection to the APC as “timely and strategic,” noting that Bayelsa should not remain in opposition while key national decisions are made at the federal level.
Similarly, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, praised Diri’s developmental achievements, calling him “a godsend to Bayelsa,” and prayed for divine guidance in his leadership journey.
Religious Message and Goodwill Tributes
Delivering a sermon titled “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” the General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, emphasized gratitude and faith, assuring Bayelsans that “God never abandons His children.”
In their goodwill messages, Senator Konbowei Benson, Head of Service of the Federation Dame Didi Walson-Jack, Bayelsa Elders Council Chairman Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (retd.), and Ijaw National Congress President Prof. Benjamin Okaba applauded Diri’s leadership and urged the people to uphold peace and unity.
Dignitaries in Attendance
Among those present were Diri’s wives — Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri — Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Hajia Fatima Tajudeen-Abbas (wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives), Senators Benson Agadaga and Sunday Katung, members of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa, and Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly Abraham Ingobere.
Also in attendance were Chief Judge Justice Matilda Ayemieye, King Alfred Diete-Spiff (Amanyanabo of Twon Brass), Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, Chief David Lyon, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, Chief Ebitimi Amgbare, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, and other traditional rulers, religious leaders, business executives, and senior government officials.
The governor is expected to be formally received into the APC today (Monday) in a ceremony that will mark one of the most significant political realignments in Bayelsa’s recent history.