…State’s Progress Rooted in Unity — Oborevwori
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has defended his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move was made in the overall interest of Bayelsans and to further the state’s development.
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Speaking on Sunday at the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day held at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Diri said his defection was a selfless decision taken to strengthen unity and attract more federal attention to the state.
It was the governor’s first public comment since he officially resigned from the PDP on October 15, 2025, ahead of his formal reception into the APC scheduled for Monday, November 3.
Governor Diri stated that while many might not immediately understand his reasons, time would vindicate his action, as it was made in the best interest of the state’s peace and progress.
“Somebody had to take the decision (to leave the PDP), and I took it on behalf of the state,” he declared. “I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all.”
The governor noted that his administration’s focus since inception had been to complete inherited projects, initiate new ones, and sustain peace and security — all of which he described as reasons for thanksgiving.
“Politics is for development, not to kill your brother,” Diri said. “The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state.”
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, said Bayelsa’s continued progress was a product of unity among its people.
He commended Diri for fostering peace and inclusiveness, urging Bayelsans to rally around their governor. “Unity remains the backbone of development. What Bayelsa is doing today is a model for others,” Oborevwori said.
READ ALSO: Defection: APC to Formally Receive Governor Diri on Monday
Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Governor Diri as a “unifier,” noting that his decision to join the ruling party was timely. He added that Bayelsa could no longer afford to remain in opposition when critical development decisions were being made at the federal level.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, hailed the governor as “a godsend to Bayelsa,” praying for God’s wisdom to guide his administration.
The event, themed “Reasons Why We Should Thank God”, featured a sermon by Bishop Mike Okonkwo, General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), who urged Bayelsans to remain thankful and steadfast in faith.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack; Senators Benson Agadaga and Sunday Katung; former Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi; and 2019 APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon.
Also present were top officials of the judiciary, clergy, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and popular gospel artiste, Asu Ekiye, who led the praise session.
