Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has assured that he will not compel his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to follow him into the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he officially joined on Monday, November 3, 2025.
Speaking at the weekly state executive council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Diri, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, emphasised dialogue over confrontation in political matters.
He expressed hope that ongoing discussions with his deputy could eventually bring them into the same party.
The governor confirmed that a Federal High Court case filed by Ewhrudjakpo to halt an alleged impeachment attempt has been withdrawn following private consultations between the two leaders.
Acknowledging the difficulty of being in different parties, Diri urged unity and constructive politics.
“It’s not easy to be on opposite sides, but we will keep talking and may find common ground,” he said, adding that politics should serve development, not division.
On reports of armed men allegedly entering Bayelsa, Diri described the claims as false.
He reassured residents that security agencies are on alert to monitor potential threats and affirmed that the state remains one of the safest in the country.
Citizens were encouraged to report security concerns to authorities rather than spreading unverified information online.
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The governor also thanked residents for their support during his defection rally on Monday, November 3, 2025, and the recent thanksgiving service.
He acknowledged the leadership of APC figures, including President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, and pledged continued efforts to improve living standards in Bayelsa and contribute to national development.
At the council meeting, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, Commissioner for Health, informed the governor of Bayelsa’s recognition as the “Best State in Health Insurance Service Delivery” by the Nigeria Governors Forum.
Dr. Daniel Igali, Commissioner for Sports, also presented Diri with the “Distinguished Governor Award for Outstanding Support to SWAN and Contribution to Sports Development in Nigeria.”